2012 Carbon Cycle 2.0 Symposium

Video Published on Mar 6, 2012

Feb 10, 2012. Berkeley Lab Associate Laboratory Director for Energy & Environmental Sciences Don DePaolo introduces the Symposium with an overview of the Carbon Cycle 2.0 initiative and highlights of programmatic developments over the past year. 

What is Fracking? Daniel Schrag. Carbon Cycle 2.0 Big Questions in Energ...

Press release:

Lockheed Martin Leans Forward With Aggressive, New Environmental Sustainability Goals

Company Sets Reductions in Carbon Emissions, Energy Use, Waste and Water by 2020

BETHESDA, Md., September 13, 2012 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today announced it will implement aggressive new global environmental goals to decrease its use of natural resources at all stages of product development and business operations over the next eight years.

By 2020, the company is targeting absolute reductions in carbon emissions by 35 percent, facility energy use by 20 percent, waste to landfills by 35 percent and water use by 10 percent, using third-party verified environmental performance from 2010 as a baseline.  These represent voluntary reductions which go beyond current regulatory requirements. The eight-year horizon aligns with U.S. Executive Order 13514, which requires U.S. federal agencies to achieve similar environmental goals. 

“With our Go Green 2020 goals, we can apply a new focus to the way we develop products, manage suppliers, operate facilities, design office space and other decisions we make throughout the business lifecycle,” said Chris Kubasik, vice chairman, president and chief operating officer. 

In April 2012, the company announced that it had met or exceeded its previous set of environmental goals of reducing carbon emissions, waste-to-landfill and water use by 25 percent since 2007, while revenues rose 12 percent in the same period.   According to publicly available data and the recently released Carbon Disclosure Project 2012 S&P 500 Report, Lockheed Martin is leading major aerospace and defense companies, and many other large industrial manufacturers, in meeting environmental performance targets. 

Several projects of varying scale contribute to the company’s environmental performance improvements, including the largest outdoor solar LED lighting system in the state of Fla. at the Orlando facility; the recently implemented fuel cell power generation system at the Sunnyvale, Calif. site; and using reusable containers for aircraft parts that eliminate wood packaging and streamline the production process in Fort Worth, Texas.

More information about Lockheed Martin’s energy, environment, safety and health performance can be found at: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/csr2011.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation’s net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

SOUTHEAST DIESEL COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Press release:


For Immediate Release:
August 23, 2012
SOUTHEAST DIESEL COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov
ATLANTA – During the recent Southeast Diesel Collaborative (SEDC) 7th Annual Partners Meeting in Atlanta, GA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 Air, Pesticides, and Toxics Management Division Director Beverly Banister, on behalf of the SEDC, presented the SEDC Leadership Awards to the 2011 winners.  The awardees are:
Staples Inc., Framingham, Massachusetts - SEDC Industry Leadership Award for
• Outfitting their fleet with 53 electric delivery trucks, with six of these in service in Atlanta,
• Implementing efficiency initiatives including hybrid vehicles, advanced idle reduction technology, engine horsepower reduction, transmission changes, and route planning to improve fuel economy by 18 percent since 2006,
• Achieving fuel savings of 724,000 gallons and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 8000 tons annually in 2010.
The Alabama Department of Transportation - SEDC Community Leadership Award for
• Implementing a fleet replacement program to auction older diesel vehicles to acquire vehicles and equipment that meet the 2007 and 2010 diesel emission standards,
• Retrofitting 312 on road and off road vehicles and equipment with diesel oxidation catalysts, either stand-alone or in concert with a closed crankcase ventilation system,
• Maintaining a fleet of 1256 alternative fuel vehicles and supporting the development of biofuels infrastructure in Alabama,
• Deploying GPS units in two-thirds of their fleet to ensure accountability with their no idle policy.
 
The Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition - SEDC Visionary Champion Leadership Award for
• Partnering with the Kentucky Department of Education to purchase and create the largest hybrid bus fleet in the nation,
• Managing alternative fuel and advanced technology projects across the Commonwealth of Kentucky,
• Promoting sustainability partnerships with industry and other organizations.
The efforts by Staples, the Alabama DOT, and the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition demonstrated exemplary leadership in the use of latest clean diesel technologies, and serve as a role model for others to follow in effective collaboration and partnership to reduce diesel emissions.

This is the fourth year the SEDC Leadership Council has presented the Leadership Awards to recognize exemplary projects in emissions reductions in EPA Region 4. Nominated parties are judged on their effectiveness in meeting the SEDC’s goal to reduce emissions from existing diesel engines and the work done in several sectors to reduce these emissions. Previous years’ winners include United Parcel Service, Coca Cola Enterprises, Ingram Barge Company, the North Carolina Solar Center, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Miami-Dade County, Florida Government.

Organized in early 2006 by EPA Region 4, the Southeast Diesel Collaborative has enjoyed unprecedented success in bringing together leaders from federal, state and local governments, organizations, industry and academia to reduce diesel engine emissions across the eight southeastern states. Focused on promoting energy independence, a cleaner environment and growing, sustainable economies, this partnership offers wide ranging health and economic benefits to the public fleet, freight and non-road sectors.

The Southeast Diesel Collaborative is part of EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign, a program combining regulatory measures with voluntary initiatives to reduce the pollution emitted from diesel engines across the country. Visit the Southeast Diesel Collaborative website at: www.southeastdiesel.org.

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Sinclair Oil to Pay $3.8 Million Penalty and Install Pollution Controls at Wyoming Refineries to Resolve Violations of 2008 Consent Decree

Press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 20, 2012

Sinclair Oil to Pay $3.8 Million Penalty and Install Pollution Controls at Wyoming Refineries to Resolve Violations of 2008 Consent Decree

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement with two subsidiaries of Sinclair Oil Corporation to resolve alleged violations of air pollution limits established in a 2008 consent decree at refineries in Casper and Sinclair, Wyo. Sinclair Casper Refining Co. and Sinclair Wyoming Refining Co. will pay stipulated penalties totaling $3,844,000 and spend approximately $10.5 million on additional pollution control equipment and other projects to resolve the allegations. The settlement will require the Sinclair companies to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) by approximately 24 tons per year, sulfur dioxide (SO2) by approximately 385 tons per year, and particulate matter by approximately 59 tons per year.

“EPA is committed to ensuring that companies comply with environmental requirements that protect people's health,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This settlement holds Sinclair accountable for exceeding the emissions limits agreed to in a previous settlement for Clean Air Act violations and ensures that the people of Wyoming have cleaner, healthier air.”
“Parties who enter into consent decrees with the United States must adhere to their obligations, and failure to comply will result in further penalties,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, assistant attorney general for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. “This settlement requires Sinclair to pay a significant $3,844,000 penalty and provide additional emission reductions beyond those required in the original settlement.”

The alleged violations stem from Sinclair’s failure to meet the terms of the 2008 consent decree, including exceeding NOx emissions limits at the Casper and Sinclair, Wyoming refineries and failing to comply with requirements to operate and maintain a flare gas recovery system at the Sinclair Refinery, resulting in excess emissions of SO2. The problems will be addressed by installing and operating a selective catalytic reduction system to control NOx emissions and by upgrading the flare gas recovery system to meet SO2 emissions limits. Sinclair will also complete a project to provide road paving at its Casper refinery that will reduce particulate matter emissions by an additional 59 tons per year and reduce fuel oil burning at the Casper refinery from the existing 188 tons per year limit to no more than 95 tons per year.

The settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period and final court approval.

More about the settlement:  

http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/caa/sinclair.html

More about EPA’s civil enforcement of the Clean Air Act: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/caa/index.html

More about EPA’s refinery initiative: http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/caa/oil/


R139

SOUTHEAST DIESEL COLLABORATIVE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN ATLANTA

Media Advisory
August 3, 2012

SOUTHEAST DIESEL COLLABORATIVE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN ATLANTA
Contact Information: Dawn Harris-Young, (404) 562-8421, harris-young.dawn@epa.gov

ATLANTA — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will join a consortium of federal, state and local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry to hold the Southeast Diesel Collaborative (SEDC) Seventh Annual Partners Meeting in Atlanta on August 7-8, 2012. The SEDC is a public-private partnership composed of stakeholders from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The goal of the collaborative is to improve air quality and public health by reducing emissions from existing diesel engines. The conference theme is “Amplifying the Reach of the Southeast Diesel Collaborative” and will focus on nationally and regionally significant diesel emissions issues related to freight, public fleets and nonroad focus areas.  Topics also include: innovative strategies, projects, and funding; outreach and collaboration; renewable and alternative fueling for diesel engines; and future clean diesel opportunities and funding.

On August 7, this year’s winners of the SEDC Annual Leadership awards will be announced and recognized.  The winners include: Staples Inc. (Industry Award); the Alabama Department of Transportation (Community Award) and the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition (Visionary Award). The SEDC workshop, the “Freight Growth and Livable Communities Summit,” will be held on August 6.  

What:  Southeast Diesel Collaborative Seventh Annual Partners Meeting

When: August 6, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Freight Growth and Livable Communities Summit
  August 7, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., SEDC Leadership Awards at 11:30 a.m.
  August 8, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Where:  Crowne Plaza Hotel Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia
4355 Ashford Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30346
  (770) 395-7700

How:   Registration at www.southeastdiesel.org. There is no registration fee to attend.

About the Southeast Diesel Collaborative (SEDC)
Organized in early 2006 by EPA Region 4, the Southeast Diesel Collaborative has enjoyed unprecedented success in bringing together leaders from federal, state and local governments, non-government organizations, industry, and academia to reduce diesel engine emissions across the eight southeastern states. Focused on promoting energy independence, a cleaner environment and growing, sustainable economies, this partnership offers wide ranging health and economic benefits across a broad range of sectors. 

The Southeast Diesel Collaborative is part of EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign, a program combining regulatory measures with voluntary initiatives to reduce the pollution emitted from diesel engines across the country. Visit the Southeast Diesel Collaborative website at: www.southeastdiesel.org.

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CA Technologies Commits to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 35 Percent by 2020

Press Releases

CA Technologies Commits to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 35 Percent by 2020

Releases New Sustainability Report Profiling Company’s Commitment to People, Planet and Profit Goals

ISLANDIA, N.Y., July 11, 2012 – CA Technologies (NASDAQ: CA)  announced its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 35 percent by 2020, from a 2006 baseline, in its new Sustainability Report released today titled “Moving Together.” The report highlights the company’s advances in sustainability over the past year, and profiles its commitment to people (employees and community), the planet and profit goals. The full report and summary can be downloaded here.

“We’ve made sustainability one of the core principles of the company, highly visible and encouraged throughout the enterprise,” said Cynthia Curtis, chief sustainability officer, CA Technologies. “This is evidenced in our commitment to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which we intend to accomplish through a combination of increased use of renewable energy, efficiency gains in our facilities, and leveraging new and emerging technologies.”

“We’ve seen increasing numbers of CA Technologies employees help define and implement sustainability solutions. Additionally, our own operations demonstrate that sustainability is just good business. By actively pursuing strategies that reduce energy use and waste, we also are cutting costs at CA Technologies offices around the world,” said Phillip Harrington, executive vice president and chief administrative officer.

PEOPLE:  The company increased internal and external stakeholder engagement, and increased its focus on diversity and inclusion, including a new emphasis on addressing the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.

PLANET: The company introduced Green Teams — employee-led volunteer groups that educate and encourage environmentally friendly behaviors — which saw broad adoption across the globe. It also improved operational efficiency by eliminating 28,000 square feet of real estate and the associated energy consumption needed for cooling, power and other facilities costs.  Additionally, by helping to lead the IT industry’s shift from physical to virtual to cloud, the Company will enable companies to reduce carbon emissions while increasing efficiency and lowering costs.

PROFIT: The company leveraged sustainability opportunities that benefited the top and bottom line. CA ecoDesktop was recently introduced as a solution for PC power management to reduce energy use by end-point devices. This complements other Energy and Sustainability products from CA Technologies which help customers improve energy and environmental reporting, supply chain and program management, as well as increase data center efficiency through data center infrastructure management.

Highlights of the CA Technologies Sustainability Report included:

• Improved operations which resulted in a carbon footprint reduction of 25 percent since 2006; 
• Utilized virtualization and cloud technologies in R&D Labs for improved use of energy and real estate, thereby eliminating 5,000 square feet of data center floor space, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 230 metric tons and saving 366 MWh;
• Distributed reusable mugs and cups to North American locations over the course of five months which prevented 517,420 styrofoam cups from going to landfills and lowered landfill waste by more than a ton;
• Leveraged its CA ecoSoftware solution to track, monitor and report on energy consumption, GHG emissions, waste and water;
• Eliminated nearly all product packaging and shipping. Now, the company reaches an 85 to 90 percent electronic distribution rate; 
• Introduced a travel policy that encourages the use of hybrid vehicles, ride sharing and video conferencing;
• Constructed a new  executive briefing center in Manhattan to LEED-CI requirements;
• Adopted a green lease policy with nearly 300,000 square feet of rented office space;
• Launched 16 Green Teams  at locations that represent more than 50 percent of the employee base worldwide; and
• Received external assurance by KPMG of its GHG emissions.

CA Technologies community involvement and philanthropic programs are also featured in the report. CA Together, the company’s global community affairs program, is driven by a core philanthropic focus of improving the lives of underserved children and communities around the world. The company’s sustainability efforts contribute to enhancing the communities in which employees live and work. CA Technologies supports programs in the areas of education and technology, health and community, diversity and the environment.

The CA Technologies Sustainability Report is measured against the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) indicators and United Nations Global Compact principals, receiving an A+ rating.

About CA Technologies

CA Technologies (NASDAQ: CA) is an IT management software and solutions company with expertise across all IT environments – from mainframe and distributed, to virtual and cloud. CA Technologies manages and secures IT environments and enables customers to deliver more flexible IT services. CA Technologies innovative products and services provide the insight and control essential for IT organizations to power business agility. The majority of the Global Fortune 500 relies on CA Technologies to manage evolving IT ecosystems. For additional information, visit CA Technologies at www.ca.com.

Visibility to Improve at 18 National Parks and Wilderness Areas

Press release:

For Immediate Release: July 2, 2012

Contact:  Margot Perez-Sullivan, (415) 947-4149, perezsullivan.margot@epa.gov

Visibility to Improve at 18 National Parks and Wilderness Areas

More than 11 million Arizona park visitors will benefit annually

SAN FRANCISCO – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to approve Arizona’s air quality plan to control sulfur dioxide and soot at three power plants in the state. EPA is also proposing additional pollution controls for nitrogen oxide at those plants. These actions will improve visibility and human health at 18 national parks and wilderness areas, including the Grand Canyon, Saguaro National Park and the Petrified Forest.

More than 11 million people visit national parks in Arizona every year. Yet for many visitors the spectacular vistas are veiled in haze, dulling the natural beauty. Ninety percent of the time, the Grand Canyon’s air is impaired by pollution. On average, pollution reduces the Grand Canyon's pristine natural visual range by more than 30 percent.


EPA is proposing to approve Arizona’s plan that controls emissions of sulfur dioxide and coarse particles from the older boilers at three power plants located in eastern Arizona. In addition, EPA is proposing a federal plan to limit nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions at these same three plants. Specifically, the proposal is designed to cut NOx emissions by 7,800 tons per year at the Cholla Power Plant, 4,700 tons/year at the Apache Generating Station, and 4,500 tons/year at the Coronado Generating Station.


“Visitors to magnificent national parks in Arizona like the Grand Canyon are critical to the state’s economy,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “This proposal will make scenic vistas clearer while cleaning the air that Arizonans breathe.”


Under the Clean Air Act, Congress set a long-term goal of restoring natural visibility conditions in numerous national parks and wilderness areas throughout the United States, known as Class 1 Areas. One of the strategies for achieving this goal is the use of Best Available Retrofit Technology at older power plants that cause or contribute to visibility impairment at Class I areas. The three power plants impact 18 of these areas.


In addition to reducing visibility, NOx reacts with other chemicals to form ozone and fine particles, both harmful to the public’s health. Ozone forms when NOx and volatile organic compounds react in the presence of heat and sunlight. Children, the elderly, people with lung diseases such as asthma, and people who work or exercise outside are at risk for adverse effects from ozone and particulate matter.  


EPA is soliciting public comments on the proposal through August 31, and will host a public workshop and hearing Tuesday July 31 in Phoenix. The deadline for final EPA action is November 15, 2012.


For more information, including a map, please go to the e-media kit at: www.epa.gov/region9/mediacenter/azfip/
For additional information on the proposed rulemaking and opportunities to provide input, please go to: www.epa.gov/region9/air/actions/az.html#all

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EPA Region 7 Issues Notice of Violation to Grain Processing Corporation, Inc., of Muscatine, Iowa, for Clean Air Act Issues

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7

901 N. Fifth St., Kansas City, KS 66101

Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations

EPA Region 7 Issues Notice of Violation to Grain Processing Corporation, Inc., of Muscatine, Iowa, for Clean Air Act Issues

Contact Information: Chris Whitley, 913-551-7394, whitley.christopher@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., March 27, 2012) - EPA has issued a notice of violation to Grain Processing Corporation, Inc. (GPC), alleging the company has violated the Iowa State Implementation Plan and the federal Clean Air Act for issues related to construction and operating permits issued for its facility at Muscatine, Iowa.

EPA Region 7 has coordinated with the State of Iowa on the notice of violation, which is separate from a civil lawsuit filed December 1, 2011, by the Iowa attorney general, which alleges that GPC's facility violated the state's air pollution laws.

GPC’s plant at 1600 Oregon Street in Muscatine processes corn into ethanol, corn sweeteners and beverage alcohol.

EPA’s notice of violation to GPC specifically alleges that between 2007 and 2011, its facility repeatedly violated limits on air emissions opacity that were set forth in the company’s 1995 amended construction permit and 2003 operating permit. The notice further alleges GPC failed to notify the Iowa Department of Natural Resources of the opacity exceedances, and failed to address the exceedances in its annual compliance certifications for the years 2007 through 2011.

EPA’s notice to GPC does not address penalties, but indicates the Agency will consider additional enforcement action, which could include penalties, to ensure the facility complies with applicable laws and regulations. The notice can be viewed online at www.epa.gov/region7/newsevents/legal.

The notice was accompanied by an official request for information, which seeks details of GPC’s compliance with the Facility Response Plan requirements and Spill Prevention and Countermeasures Control requirements of the federal Clean Water Act. Information provided by the company in response to EPA’s request will be used by the Agency in evaluating GPC’s compliance. GPC’s response to EPA’s information request is due within 15 days.

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Hitachi Announces Partnership with SaskPower on Test Facility for CO2 Capture Technology

March 20, 2012

• PDF Download(PDF Type,54kbyte)

Hitachi Announces Partnership with SaskPower
on Test Facility for CO2 Capture Technology

Saskatoon Saskatchewan, March 20, 2012 --- Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT/TSE: 6501, "Hitachi") announced today that the Company has agreed to collaborate with Saskatchewan Power Corporation ("SaskPower") to jointly construct a Carbon Capture Test Facility, ("CCTF"). The test facility will be a part of SaskPower's larger "Clean Coal Project", which is a comprehensive initiative to select and apply emerging carbon capture technologies to coal fired power plants to manage their emission of greenhouse gases.

In this project equipment to capture CO2 will be installed at SaskPower's Shand Power Station (298MW), which is located near the city of Estevan, Saskatchewan. SaskPower and Hitachi will jointly invest 5 billion yen to cover the cost of the project. Operations of the CCTF will begin mid 2014.

While the demand for electric power is increasing in Canada, power companies are being required to implement countermeasures against global warming, including measures to suppress CO2 emissions, and to reinforce these initiatives, Canada is currently promoting the development of CCS (Carbon Capture & Storage) technology and the implementation of demonstration projects as a national strategy. SaskPower, in line with this initiative, is currently constructing a world leading, large CO2 capture and storage demonstration project at the Boundary Dam Power Station. Hitachi was selected to supply the steam turbine and generator for this carbon capture and storage demonstration project and will build the crucial system that is needed to efficiently supply the steam required for the CO2 capture and storage equipment.

Hitachi began researching and developing technology to capture CO2 in the 1990s and since then, the company has conducted demonstration projects using its own research equipment as well as domestic and overseas pilot facilities. SaskPower's experience in integrating CCS into commercial projects combined with Hitachi's expertise in Carbon Capture Technology will contribute to a comprehensive evaluation and demonstration of the equipment's overall reliability, economic feasibility, and the necessary properties to scale-up to a large, commercial-scale facility. Hitachi will produce and supply its CO2 capture solvent (H3-1) and the main equipment for the facility. The Hitachi Group companies Babcock-Hitachi K.K. (President : Tetsuro Wakino) and Hitachi Canadian Industries Ltd. (President and CEO : Tom Kishchuk) at the Province of Saskatchewan will be in charge of production and supply.

Through this demonstration project with SaskPower, Hitachi will focus on achieving commercial operations, reducing costs, realizing innovative technologies, and will contribute to the realization of a low-carbon society.

Hitachi is also deepening its collaboration with the province of Saskatchewan through exchange activities sponsored by the Japan Coal Energy Center and the Coal Division of the Natural Resources and Fuel Department of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and will further endeavor to contribute to this mission.

Overview of the CCTF Demonstration Project

Amount of CO2 that is captured	120 tons/day
Equipment Installation Site	Shand Power Station (Coal-Fired Thermal Power Station)
CO2 Capturing Process	Chemical Scrubbing
Evaluation Items	CO2 capture efficiency, energy usage, reliability, etc.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 360,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2010 (ended March 31, 2011) consolidated revenues totaled 9,315 billion yen ($112.2 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.

EPA Awards CNMI & American Samoa Grants for Clean Diesel Projects

For Immediate Release: March 19, 2012
Contact:  Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, higuchi.dean@epa.gov                         

EPA awards CNMI and American Samoa over $117,000 for clean diesel projects
Two Territories receive funding for the first time

HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded over $117,000 in Diesel Emission Reduction Act grants to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa to be used for projects to reduce diesel emissions.

“For the first time the Pacific Territories will benefit from this funding to aid in reducing resident’s exposure to diesel emissions,” said Jared Blumenfeld, Regional Administrator of the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Region. “Our ongoing West Coast Collaborative clean diesel campaign will reduce harmful emissions in the air, better protect people's health, and supports green jobs in our region and across the country.”

* CNMI will receive $70,677 to be used to improve fuel efficiency and allow the use of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) in diesel engines at one of their power plants through fuel pump and injector replacements.
* American Samoa will use its $47,117 for the purchase of ULSD that will be used in 19 new diesel generators that provide power to the island.

The overall emissions reductions from the CNMI and American Samoa projects will result in significant reductions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and hydrocarbons. The territories have mainly used diesel fuels containing higher levels of sulfur, contributing to air pollution in their areas. The upcoming projects will assist in the wider use of the cleaner ultra low sulfur diesel fuel, resulting in a greater lasting reduction in harmful diesel emissions in the territories.

The funding is part of $50 million in clean diesel grants recently awarded across the country. These efforts will replace, retrofit or repower more than 8,000 older school buses, trucks, locomotives, vessels, and other diesel powered machines, like diesel power plant generators.

From 2008 to 2010, EPA has awarded nearly $470 million to more than 350 grantees across the nation, cleaning or replacing more than 50,000 vehicles and equipment nationwide.

Nationally, diesel engines emit 7.3 million tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides and 333,000 tons of soot annually. Diesel pollution is linked to thousands of premature deaths, hundreds of thousands of asthma attacks and millions of lost work days. While EPA's standards significantly reduce emissions from newly manufactured engines, clean diesel projects funded through these grants will work to address some of the more than 11 million older diesel engines that continue to emit higher levels of harmful pollution.

Every state will receive funding for clean diesel projects through direct state allocations. This year for the first time, the U.S. territories can now receive direct state allocation funds. EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign works cooperatively with state and local air agencies, tribes, communities, environmental groups, and the diesel industry to help control diesel emissions.

Cleaning up diesel emissions can also have direct near term climate benefits.  For more information visit: http://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabproduct.nsf/fedrgstr_activites/BC%20Report%20to%20Congress?OpenDocument

More information on these grants and to learn more about the West Coast Collaborative, visit: http://www.westcoastcollaborative.org.

For more information on the National Clean Diesel Campaign, including a list of all grants nation-wide, visit: http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel

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Nextiva Renews Participation in CarbonFree Program

Nextiva Maintains its Environmental Leadership Position by Renewing Participation in Carbonfund.org’s CarbonFree® Program

March 13, 2012 – Scottsdale, AZ

Nextiva (www.nextiva.com), the leading unified communications and business VoIP service provider, announced today that it is offsetting its carbon emissions with Carbonfund.org Foundation, a leading nonprofit carbon reduction and climate solutions organization. By renewing its participation for the fourth consecutive year in Carbonfund.org’s CarbonFree® Partner program, Nextiva demonstrates its commitment to the fight against global warming.

Carbonfund.org’s CarbonFree® Partner program supports third-party validated renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects in the U.S. and abroad to reduce CO2 emissions and accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. During the last year, Nextiva has enhanced its internal recycling program by providing employees with beverage cups to minimize the use of paper products, adding many plants around the office and reducing the number of printers onsite. Nextiva continues to utilize eco-effective technology in its data centers and support their clients’ eco-friendly goals at the same time by offering an online fax service called vFAX.

“Our commitment to being the best partner for our customers guides all of our business decisions, and we want them to know that in addition to providing cloud-based services, we also make environmentally-conscious decisions about our physical office locations,” states Yaniv Masjedi, VP of Nextiva. “By developing a carbon neutral office environment, we demonstrate to our customers and employees that we are doing our part to offset CO2 emissions.”

“We are thrilled to renew our partnership with Nextiva and applaud their ongoing efforts to protect our planet,” said Eric Carlson, president of Carbonfund.org. “Fortunately, Nextiva is as committed to protecting the environment as it is to delivering reliable VoIP services for businesses. We are excited about their ongoing participation in the CarbonFree® Partner Program.”

ABOUT NEXTIVA
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Nextiva (www.nextiva.com) is member of the privately held Unitedwebfamily of companies. Nextiva is one of the country’s leading providers of cloud-based, VoIPunified communication services designed for growing small and mid-size businesses. Nextiva has won more than 30 Independent Technology & Telephony Awards, including being named “Best Business VoIP Provider” by Voice Reports for three years running. Nextiva delivers “Fortune 500″ phone service at start-up prices and serves more than 60,000SMB companies across the United States. For more information call 800-983-4289 or visit nextiva.com.

News Release from EPA - Kansas Refinery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2012
Kansas Refinery to Pay Nearly $1 Million Penalty for Environmental Violations Related to Air Emissions

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Coffeyville Resources Refining & Marketing (CRRM) has agreed to pay a civil penalty of more than $970,000 and invest more than $4.25 million on new pollution controls and $6.5 million in operating costs to resolve alleged violations of air, superfund and community right-to-know laws at its Coffeyville, Kan. refinery. The settlement will benefit the environment and human health by requiring new and upgraded pollution controls, more stringent emission limits, and more aggressive leak-detection and repair practices to reduce emissions from refinery equipment and process units. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxide (NO_x), two pollutants emitted from refineries, can cause respiratory problems like asthma and are significant contributors to acid rain, smog and haze.
“The Clean Air Act is designed to protect people’s health from emissions of harmful pollutants,” said Cynthia Giles, assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s settlement will protect residents living near the facility and ensure that the necessary pollution controls are installed to protect the residents of southeastern Kansas in the future.”
“This settlement puts CRRM on a level playing field with the more than 100 petroleum refineries that have agreed to implement aggressive pollution control measures, thereby reducing the threats posed by harmful emissions to area residents,” said Ignacia S. Moreno, assistant attorney general for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. “The agreement reaffirms our commitment to ensure that the petroleum refining industry complies with the nation’s Clean Air Act.”

The settlement resolves alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Coffeyville allegedly made modifications to its refinery that increased emissions without first obtaining pre-construction permits and installing required pollution control equipment. The CAA requires major sources of air pollution to obtain such permits before making changes that would result in a significant emissions increase of any pollutant. The settlement also resolves violations in which CRRM failed to timely notify state and local emergency responders of releases of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide from the refinery, as required by the CERCLA and EPCRA.

Once fully implemented, the pollution controls required by the settlement will annually reduce an estimated 200 tons of NOx emissions and more than 110 tons of SO₂ emissions. The settlement will also reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and other pollutants that affect air quality. CRRM has also agreed to perform a voluntary environmental project at the refinery valued at more than $1.2 million. The project will benefit the environment and surrounding communities by reducing emissions of volatile organic compounds and hydrogen sulfide, reducing the frequency of future acid gas flaring incidents, and conserve 15 million gallons of water each year that would previously have come from the Verdigris River.
The settlement with CRRM is the 30th under an EPA initiative to improve compliance among petroleum refiners and to reduce significant amounts of air pollution from refineries nationwide through comprehensive, company-wide settlements. The first of EPA’s settlements was reached in 2000, and with today’s settlement, 107 refineries operating in 32 states and territories – more than 90 percent of the total refining capacity in the United States – are under judicially enforceable agreements to significantly reduce emissions of pollutants. As a result of the settlement agreements, refiners have agreed to invest more than $6 billion in new pollution controls designed to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants by more than 360,000 tons per year. 
CRRM’s refinery has the capacity to refine more than 115,000 barrels of crude oil per day, producing gasoline, diesel fuels, and propane. 
The State of Kansas has joined in the settlement and will receive a portion of the civil penalty.

The consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court approval.
More information on the CRRM settlement:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/caa/coffeyville.html
More information on other petroleum refinery settlements:
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/cases/civil/caa/oil/index.html

News Release from EPA - Fremont Facility

For Immediate Release: February 28, 2012

Contact: Margot Perez-Sullivan, perezsullivan.margot@epa.gov

U.S. EPA Fines Fremont facility $62,500 for Hazardous Waste Violations

SAN FRANCISCO—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined Western Digital Corporation, a wafer fabrication facility that generates large quantities of hazardous wastes including solvents, acids and sulfates, $62,500 for the improper management of hazardous waste at its Fremont facility.

A 2010 inspection at Western Digital Corporation uncovered violations of federal standards governing the handling and storage of hazardous waste. In this case, the facility manufactures    components used to make hard drives, using a variety of hazardous materials.  Among the  violations were failure to properly label and seal containers, failure to control tank emissions, failure to adequately train personnel, failure to monitor equipment, failure to provide an adequate contingency plan, and failure to provide a leak detection system,

Under the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act program, hazardous substances must be stored, handled and disposed of using measures that safeguard public health and the environment.

For more information on the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, please visit the EPA’s web site at:  http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/rcra/index.html

News Release from EPA - Comments Sought on GHG Inventory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELASEFebruary 27, 2012
EPA Requests Comment on 17th Annual U.S. Greenhouse Gas Inventory

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on the annual “Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2010” (Inventory) draft report. The Inventory is the United States’ official estimate of total national greenhouse gas emissions, and is developed annually to meet commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The draft report will be open for public comment for 30 days.

The draft report shows that in 2010, overall greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions increased by 3.3 percent from the previous year. This trend is attributed to an increase in energy consumption across all economic sectors, due to increasing energy demand associated with an expansion in the economy. There was also an increase in air conditioning use due to warmer summer weather during 2010. Total emissions from GHGs were about 6,866 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent. Overall, emissions have grown by 11 percent from 1990 to 2010.

The inventory tracks annual greenhouse gas emissions nationally from 1990 to 2010. The gases covered by this inventory include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. The inventory also calculates carbon dioxide emissions that are removed from the atmosphere by “sinks,” e.g., through the uptake of carbon by forests, vegetation, and soils.

This annual report is prepared by EPA in collaboration with experts from other federal agencies. After responding to public comments, the U.S. government will submit the final inventory report to the Secretariat of the UNFCCC. This report will fulfill the annual requirement of the UNFCCC international treaty, ratified by the United States in 1992, which sets an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge posed by climate change.

More information on the draft report and submitting comments: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html
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News Release from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Gases drawn into smog particles stay there

February 22, 2012

• Mary Beckman, PNNL, (509) 375-3688

SPLAT helps pinpoint pollution particles to improve smog predictions

Download Original Image SPLAT II provides measurements of particles with unprecedented sensitivity and precision to scientists such as Alla Zelenyuk.

RICHLAND, Wash. – Airborne gases settle in smog particles from which they cannot escape, according to research published Feb. 21 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The results could explain why pollution computer models underestimate organic aerosols — the major component of smog particles and the least understood component in climate change calculations.

The study, led by University of California, Irvine air chemist Barbara Finlayson-Pitts, combined alpha-pinene, a common ingredient in household cleaners such as Pine Sol and outdoor emissions, with oxides of nitrogen and ozone to mimic smog buildup. Atmospheric chemist Alla Zelenyuk at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory evaluated millions of the artificial smog particles one-by-one using a one-of-a-kind, 900-pound instrument known as SPLAT (a single particle laser ablation time-of-flight mass spectrometer).
SPLAT lives at EMSL, DOE's Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory at PNNL. The researchers also employed a 26-foot-long "aerosol flow tube" at the AirUCI unit.
"Being able to study individual particles gives us so much detail about how pollution evolves," said Zelenyuk. "Incorporating what we found about these particles into computer models will help in modeling pollution and climate as well."
Read the entire release from the University of California, Irvine here.

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Air Toxic Emissions Standards for PVC Finalized

News release from EPA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2012

  

EPA Finalizes Air Toxic Emissions Standards for Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Production Facilities

  

Standards will cut harmful emissions that impact local communities

   

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued strong final standards requiring facilities that produce polyvinyl chloride and copolymers (PVC) to reduce harmful air emissions, which will improve air quality and protect people’s health in communities where facilities are located. Exposure to toxic air pollutants, like those emitted from PVC facilities, can cause respiratory problems and other serious health issues, and can increase the risk of developing cancer. In particular, children are known to be more sensitive to the cancer risks posed by inhaling vinyl chloride, one of the known carcinogens emitted from PVC facilities.

The final standards are based on currently available technologies and will reduce emissions of air toxics, such as dioxin and vinyl chloride. Facilities will have the flexibility to choose the most practical and cost-effective control technology or technique to reduce the emissions. Facilities will be required to monitor emissions at certain points in the PVC production process to ensure that the standards are met.

Currently, there are 17 PVC production facilities throughout the United States, with a majority of these facilities located in Louisiana and Texas. All existing and any new PVC production facilities are covered by the final rule.

PVC production facilities manufacture PVC resins that are used to make a large number of commercial and industrial products at other manufacturing facilities. These products include latex paints, coatings, adhesives, clear plastics, rigid plastics, and flooring.

EPA had a 74-day public comment period and held two public hearings on the proposal before issuing the final rule.

More information on the final rule: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3fs.html

Ultra-sustainable zHome

News Release from EPA Region 10:

Ultra-sustainable zHome becomes the first community of WaterSense labeled new homes in the Nation

Contact: Debra Sherbina, EPA WaterSense Coordinator, 206-553-0247, sherbina.debra@epa.gov; Tony Brown, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-1203, brown.anthony@epa.gov

(Seattle – Jan. 25, 2012) zHome – the ultra-sustainable, 10-unit townhome development in Issaquah, WA that is redefining the future of housing – is also the first community in the Nation in which every home has earned the WaterSense label for new homes. EPA’s WaterSense program is modeled after its highly successful Energy Star program. The goal of WaterSense is to significantly reduce water use nationwide to save water resources for future generations.

A home that is certified to earn the WaterSense label will use at least 20 percent less water than a standard, newly-constructed home and the high-efficiency WaterSense labeled fixtures perform as well or better than their traditional counterparts. The benefits of the certification include:

• Lower utility bills for future residents
• Reduced strain on water and wastewater systems
•  More water left in streams and aquifers for salmon, recreation and other uses
• Fewer greenhouse gas emissions due to reduced energy demands from water treatment and delivery

zHome was designed to push the limits of sustainable, production housing. It is the first townhome, zero-energy, carbon-neutral community in the United States, and also received the Forest Stewardship Council’s 2011 award for the best residential project in North America.

In addition, zHome strove to demonstrate a multitude of water-efficient technologies, with a net reduction of 70 percent in potable water use compared to a typical King County home. Cascade Water Alliance provided WaterSense labeled toilets, showerheads, and bathroom faucets, as well as innovative, real-time use monitors for every unit to ensure maximum efficiency. Each zHome unit also includes a rainwater harvesting tank (ranging in size from 1,000- to 1,800-gallons) that is used for clothes washing and toilet flushing.

“EPA is proud to recognize the zHome project, built and developed by Ichijo USA and Seattle builder Matt Howland, as one of the leaders in the Pacific Northwest in helping to advance water efficiency,” said Paula vanHaagen, EPA’s Manager, Grants and Planning Unit in Seattle.

zHome was brought to life through a highly collaborative public/private partnership spearheaded by the City of Issaquah, in conjunction with Built Green, King County, Port Blakely Communities, Puget Sound Energy and the Washington State University Energy Program.

“We are extremely excited that the zHome units received the new WaterSense New Homes certification,” said Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger. “We hope zHome inspires homebuilders and homeowners to take advantage of the same water-saving benefits with their projects.”

Cascade Water Alliance, a long-time WaterSense promotional partner, is a non-profit corporation with the goal of providing safe, clean, and reliable water to its 400,000 residents and 22,000 businesses. Cascade is made up of the cities of Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Tukwila, the Covington Water District, and the Sammamish Plateau and Skyway Water and Sewer Districts.

To find out more about Cascade Water Alliance, visit: www.cascadewater.org

To find out more about WaterSense, visit: www.epa.gov/watersense

To find out more about zHome, visit: www.z-home.org

To automatically receive Region 10 News Releases, subscribe via email at: http://service.govdelivery.com/service/subscribe.html?code=USEPA_C19

Grants for Clean Air Projects in San Joaquin Valley

News Release from EPA Region 9:

For Immediate Release: January 24, 2012

Media Contact:  Nahal Mogharabi, 213-514- 4361, mogharabi.nahal@epa.gov    

 EPA Announces Millions in Grants to Clean Air Projects in San Joaquin Valley
Strategic Plan Aims to Reduce Harmful Air Pollutants, Improve Water Quality

SAN FRANCISCO—U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld today announced $5 million in funding that will pay for cleaner locomotives throughout the San Joaquin Valley, including a state-of-the art locomotive operating between the Port of Stockton and Lodi. EPA and its partners in the valley, the California Air Resources Board and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District made the announcement at the Central California Traction Rail Company in Stockton, CA.


In addition, approximately $16 million in grants was announced to slash diesel emissions, advance air quality and improve public health throughout the state of California. The San Joaquin Valley, one of the most productive agricultural areas in the country, also has some of the nation’s worst air quality and highest rates of asthma. Federal, local and state partners are working to alleviate these problems by channeling significant funds into new clear air technologies.


“EPA’s goal is to reduce the public health impact of diesel emissions from the trucks and trains moving goods through the San Joaquin Valley,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “This funding will reduce particulate matter emissions by 210 tons statewide for the lifetime of these projects—the equivalent of removing 1,000 heavy-duty trucks off the road.”


The state of the art locomotive unveiled in Stockton uses significantly less fuel than its 1953 model year predecessor and emits 90 percent less particulate matter and 92 percent less nitrogen oxides into the environment. This locomotive also uses a regenerative braking system, in which energy otherwise lost as the train slows down is captured and reused.  New technologies such as these significantly cut emissions, while creating new jobs and revitalizing local economies.


"The Air Resources Board is committed to slashing diesel emissions throughout California," said Air Resources Board Member Dorene D'Adamo. "By adopting effective regulations and working with our local and federal partners to bring projects like clean locomotives to the Central Valley, we are making great progress.  Our air is quantifiably cleaner than it was back in the last decade, and everyone here today has contributed to that achievement."     


These EPA clean diesel grant funds will eliminate approximately 210 tons of particulate matter, 4,500 tons of nitrogen oxides and 130,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions for the lifetime of these projects. 


“The challenges we face in the Valley are unmatched by any other region in the nation, and we highly value our partnership with the EPA in our joint efforts to reach our clean air goals,” said Seyed Sadredin, Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer of the San Joaquin Valley Air District. “Achieving zero emission goods movement is a key component of our clean air strategy.”


Pollution from dirty diesel engines remains one of the most significant health risks in California. The California Air Resources Board estimates that approximately 9,000 people in California die prematurely each year as a result of exposure to fine particle pollution like diesel exhaust.


The $21 million in funds will go to new projects throughout the state and existing locomotives in San Joaquin Valley including:

San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District: $2,000,000 to repower two older locomotives with newer, cleaner engines.

California Air Resources Board: $14 million to replace 18 older with ultra-low emitting genset locomotives in San Joaquin Valley and Southern California and install a selective catalytic reduction system with a diesel oxidation catalyst capable of meeting Tier 4 emission levels on a line haul locomotive.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District: $1,557,987 to replace 43 heavy-duty drayage trucks that operate at ports around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sacramento Air Quality Management District: $1,097,032 to establish a voucher program to replace 200 existing diesel agricultural irrigation pump engines with new electric agricultural pump motors to power agricultural irrigation pumps.

In addition to the funding announcement, EPA today launched its strategic plan for the Valley which suffers from some of the most pressing issues in the region. The EPA prioritizes air and water quality, enforcement of public health standards and environmental justice. EPA will continue to work with the California Air Resources Board and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District and will aim to reduce particulate matter 2.5 concentrations by 7% in 2012. To improve water quality, EPA will work closely with other federal agencies to invest in 11 public water systems that need infrastructure improvements and treatment to meet drinking water standards. Under President Obama’s Strong Cities, Strong Communities initiative, EPA has also contributed two full-time federal employees to lead a multi-agency team that will partner with the City of Fresno and local stakeholders to implement a redevelopment vision. As part of the strategic plan, EPA is also dedicated to tracking and reducing environmental hazards, recycling pesticide containers and helping to spur dairy digester projects in the Valley. EPA welcomes public comment on the San Joaquin Strategic Plan. The plan will be finalized in the coming months.

Diesel Emission Reduction Act grants are funded through the West Coast Collaborative, a public-private partnership between leaders from federal, state, and local government, the private sector, and environmental groups committed to reduce diesel emissions throughout western North America. The Collaborative has provided more than $97.5 million of grant funds, with an additional $119 million of leveraged money by its partners since 2008. This translates to emission reductions of approximately 1,725 tons of particulate matter and 38,895 tons of nitrogen oxide for the lifetime of these grant projects.


Cleaning up diesel emissions can also have direct near term climate benefits.  For more information, visit: http://yosemite.epa.gov/sab/sabproduct.nsf/fedrgstr_activites/BC%20Report%20to%20Congress?OpenDocument

More information on these grants and to learn more about the West Coast Collaborative, visit: http://www.westcoastcollaborative.org.

For more information on the National Clean Diesel Campaign, including a list of all grants nation-wide, visit: http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel

For information about EPA Region 9 Pacific Southwest’s San Joaquin Valley Strategy, visit: http://www.epa.gov/region9/strategicplan/sanjoaquin.html

Today’s announcement is part of EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld’s two day “Whistle Stop Tour” of San Joaquin Valley. For more information on his overall visit, today’s event and photos, please http://www.epa.gov/region9/mediacenter/sjv-tour/

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