Rural lab for carbon capture to close.
| Nations move on how to put ‘natural assets’ at the top of agenda CLOSE to 100 nations have concluded a review of how science can better guide policy by examining the merits of a new scientific body able to put the loss of biodiversity, ecosystems and their multi-trillion dollar services at the top of the political agenda. |
| Congress has much to do but lame ducks could foil action. The White House tried late last week to take steam out of Congress’ bid to give new aid to the ailing auto industry, saying it would make it easier for the carmakers to tap $25 billion in an existing federal loan program. |
| Climate change already felt in South Sound. The natural features that make Washington uniquely beautiful also make the state especially vulnerable to climate change. |
| Rural lab for carbon capture to close. The State Government’s closure of eight Department of Primary Industries offices and agricultural research stations has sparked concern, because they host one of the world’s longest-running carbon capture trials. |
| Press Release: Texas Environmentalists Praise By-the-Mile Auto Insurance Option
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ramon Alvarez, Environmental Defense Fund, 512. 691.3408-w Media Contact: Chris Smith, Environmental Defense Fund, 512.691.3451-w or 512.659.9264-c or csmith@edf.org
(Austin – Nov. 12, 2008) Environmental Defense Fund praised MileMeter for recently launching a pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) insurance program that will reward low-mileage drivers with lower premiums than traditional, flat-rate insurance.
Texans will become the first in the nation to have a “by-the-mile” choice of auto insurance that gives drivers the opportunity to save money while also protecting the environment. “Texas drivers now have a choice to do the right thing by their pocketbooks as well as by the environment,” said Ramon Alvarez, senior scientist with Environmental Defense Fund. “Pay-as-you-drive insurance policies help to increase our awareness of how many miles we’re driving and therefore, think twice before making an optional trip to the store, or better yet, walk, bike or use public transportation to get there instead.”
Traditional insurance offers 15 percent or less mileage-based discounts that don’t typically capture the full benefit of driving fewer miles. However, insurers are slowly moving in this direction. Progressive Insurance has in the last five months also launched partial mileage-based insurance policies in seven states, offering 40 to 60 percent mileage-based discounts. GMAC Insurance also offers up to 40 percent mileage-based discounts in several dozen states for motorists with On-Star equipped vehicles.
“By providing a strong monetary incentive to drive fewer miles, these policies also have the added environmental benefit of reducing traffic, air pollution, dependence on foreign oil and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming,” Alvarez added.
A Brookings Institution report released in July estimates that if PAYD were offered to all drivers, it would save two-out-of-three households an average of $270 per car, result in an 8 percent decline in driving, reduce driving-related damages by $50 billion to $60 billion, and cut carbon dioxide emissions and oil consumption.
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| Press Release: NEW CALIFORNIA TOXIC DIESEL POLLUTION REGULATIONS PRAISED BY LEADING GREEN GROUP For Immediate Release
Contact: Jesus Mena, (415) 948-4220-c jemena@edf.org
Camille Kustin, 916-752-2834 -c, ckustin@edf.org
(Sacramento – October 24, 2008) Environmental Defense Fund praised the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for releasing two proposed regulations today that would reduce toxic and greenhouse gas emissions by requiring retrofits for newer diesel trucks and the phasing out of older trucks, starting in 2012.
CARB officials estimate that the truck regulations are expected to save 9,400 lives between 2010 and 2025 and greatly reduce health care costs. The state is offering truckers more than $1 billion in funding to offset the costs of complying with the new rules.
“Diesel trucks, especially older trucks, are essentially heart-and-lung killers on wheels, so these proposed measures would be lifesavers for thousands of Californians,” said Camille Kustin, Environmental Defense Fund policy analyst. “They would improve the overall health of state residents, especially that of children who suffer from asthma and other respiratory diseases. They also would boost California’s pioneering efforts in the battle against global warming.”
Diesel trucks emit nearly 40% of the toxic particulate matter and half of the nitrous oxide pollution that create California’s smoggy air. This pollution alone is responsible for 1,500 deaths statewide annually, according to a CARB study. A University of Southern California eight-year study showed that Southern California children exposed to higher levels of particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, acid vapor and elemental carbon had significantly lower lung function by age 18, a lung function deficit that is unlikely to be reversed.
“It isn’t unusual for a truck that’s 20 years old – and older – to still be hauling heavy loads,” added Kustin. “Unfortunately, a 20-year-old truck has no pollution controls.”
The first regulation requires that trucks install diesel exhaust filters starting in 2010 to 2014 to reduce particulate matter emissions, followed by a gradual phasing out of older rigs on a staggered implementation schedule between 2012 and 2022. The second regulation requires that certain new and existing trucks be fitted with aerodynamic devices and fuel efficient tires to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas pollution.
CARB is accepting public comments on the proposal between now and its scheduled to vote on the regulations December 11.
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