The October 2009 issue of the Transportation and Climate Change newsletter has been published by the Federal Highway Administration. The newsletter includes updates on recent state and federal actions and events. For more information, link to the Transportation and Climate Change Newsletter – October 2009. (11-19-09)

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The Federal Railroad Administration has released the results of a study comparing rail and truck fuel efficiency on corridors and services where both modes compete. The study sought to gauge how rail and truck fuel efficiency has changed following similar research commissioned by FRA in 1991. The study analyzes trends in rail and truck fuel efficiency since 1990, compares the fuel efficiency of the two modes in 23 movements where they compete, and projects future trends in truck and rail fuel efficiency over the next 20 years. The study finds that rail is more fuel efficient that trucks in terms of ton-miles per gallon and highlights an improvement in freight rail fuel efficiency of approximately 22 percent between 1990 and 2006. Factors cited for rail’s higher fuel efficiency include improvements in diesel-electric locomotives, increased use of double stack trains, track and signal improvements, and longer trains. For more information, link to Comparative Evaluation of Rail and Truck Fuel Efficiency on Competitive Corridors. (11-19-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a proposed rule to revise the primary national ambient air quality standard for sulfur dioxide. The proposal would establish a new one-hour SO2 standard between 50 and 100 parts per billion and revoke the existing 24-hour and annual primary SO2 standards. The proposal also would revise monitoring and reporting requirements for SO2, including placement of monitors in areas with high SO2 emissions and in urban areas. According to EPA, the largest sources of SO2 emissions are from burning of fossil fuels at power plants and industrial facilities, with smaller sources including burning of high–sulfur fuels by locomotives, large ships, and nonroad equipment. EPA will hold a public hearing on the proposal on Jan. 5, 2010, in Atlanta. Comments will be due 60 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register. A pre-publication version of the proposed rule and other supporting documents are available on EPA’s Sulfur Dioxide Regulatory Actions website. (11-17-09)

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The European Environmental Agency has published a report that examines the current and projected progress of European Union countries toward their respective greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol and progress toward the EU target for 2020. The analysis is based on emissions inventories for 1990 through 2007 and available estimates of 2008 emissions and projections for 2010, 2015, and 2020. The report finds that while GHG emissions in the EU are decreasing, and are expected to continue to decrease with implementation of measures planned by member states, emissions from the transport sector continue to rise along with demand for transport of passengers and goods and a preference for road transport over other modes. For more information, link to Greenhouse Gas Emission Trends and Projections in Europe 2009. (11-12-09)

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A new report by the Transportation Research Board identifies research needs for analyzing the effectiveness, costs, feasibility, and acceptability of various transportation strategies to mitigate transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, conserve energy, and adapt to climate change. The report recommends beginning a research and development initiative through an investment of $40 million to $45 million annually in the next surface transportation authorization to develop the best available guidance quickly on the basis of existing information, followed by improvements to that guidance as new research is completed. The report covers strategies affecting travel and mode choice, models and decision tools, infrastructure investment options, and infrastructure construction, operation, and maintenance. TRB will conduct a webinar on the report’s findings on Dec. 2, 2009, from 2-3 pm EST. Links to several research papers used in the development of the report are also available on the TRB website. For more information, link to TRB Special Report 299: A Transportation Research Program for Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change and Conserving Energy. (10-29-09)

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An updated compendium of workshops on integrating air quality and transportation planning has been published by the National Association of Regional Councils (NARC). Developed under a cooperative agreement with the Federal Highway Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency, the compendium summarizes 14 workshops held between 2001 and 2009 that addressed topics such as smart growth and alternative land use planning; project selection criteria and performance measures; proposed air quality standards; using outreach to improve air quality; and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. The latest edition of the compendium includes summaries of four additional workshops and compiles and condenses previous workshop summaries. For more information, access the Compendium of Workshops on Integrating Air Quality and Transportation. (10-26-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has released a report to Congress on the public health, environmental, and economic benefits of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program, established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to support efforts to save fuel and reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel engines. The program received approximately $50 million in 2008 for diesel emission reduction programs across the country, leading to the purchase or retrofitting of 14,000 diesel vehicles and equipment. The report estimates benefits from the program including conservation of 3.2 million gallons of fuel under the SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program; reductions of 46,000 tons of nitrogen oxide and 2,200 tons of particulate matter emissions over the lifetime of diesel vehicles; and quantifiable public health benefits of between $500 million and $1.4 billion. For more information, link to the Report to Congress: Highlights of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Program and the National Clean Diesel Campaign website. (10-14-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the September 2009 issue of its Transportation and Climate Change newsletter, which includes updates on recent state and federal actions and events. For more information, link to the Transportation and Climate Change Newsletter – September 2009. (10-14-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has released its annual progress report on a national study of toxic air pollutant emissions associated with major highway facilities, as required by a 2005 settlement agreement to a lawsuit challenging the expansion of U.S. 95 in Las Vegas (Sierra Club v. Mineta). The study, which will research the concentration and physical behavior of mobile source air toxics (MSATs) and mobile source fine particle (PM-2.5) emissions at up to three sites, is intended to provide data applicable to highway projects nationwide. The 2009 progress report addresses issues related to funding, site operation, and site selection and prospects for further study. The report finds that during the past year FHWA began monitoring and data collection in Las Vegas, worked to find a second location in southeastern Michigan, and made efforts to find cost saving measures. For more information, including previous annual reports and other resources, link to FHWA’s National Near Roadway MSAT Study website. (10-8-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency will designate 31 areas, comprised of 120 full or partial counties in 18 states, as not meeting the 24-hour fine particulate matter (PM-2.5) national ambient air quality standard established in 2006. EPA originally issued area designations for the standard in December 2008, based on 2007 air quality monitoring data, but they were not published in the Federal Register. The Obama administration subsequently decided to revise those designations to reflect 2008 data. Based on the new data, 91 counties that were designated as nonattainment in 2008 are now meeting the standard. The agency also announced that four new counties in the Houston; Phoenix; and Redding, Calif., areas are in violation of one or more of the particulate matter standards, and that the agency will conduct additional evaluations to determine if they should be designated as nonattainment in 2010. Requirements for nonattainment areas include additional planning requirements for transportation-related sources. The final designations will be effective 30 days after they are published as a final rule in the Federal Register. For more information, link to the Area Designations for the 24-Hour Fine Particle NAAQS. (10-8-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a request for proposals for fiscal year 2009/2010 grants under its National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program. The program supports projects that achieve significant reductions in diesel emissions, particularly from fleets operating in designated poor air quality areas. An estimated $64 million in funding will be available for competitive grants for diesel emission reduction solutions for heavy-duty diesel emissions sources such as buses; medium- and heavy-duty trucks; marine engines; locomotives; and nonroad engines, equipment, or vehicles. Eligible emissions reduction solutions include verified retrofit and idle reduction technologies, verified aerodynamic technologies and low rolling resistance tires, certified engine repowers, and vehicle or equipment replacement. Proposals are due Dec. 8, 2009. For more information, link to the request for proposals and to the National Clean Diesel Campaign website. (10-6-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the latest monthly update on issues related to transportation conformity, including upcoming events and training opportunities.  For more information, link to Transportation Conformity Highlights August/September 2009. (10-6-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency announced 37 winners of its 2009 SmartWay Excellence Awards at the American Trucking Associations’ Annual Management Conference & Exhibit in Las Vegas on Oct. 6, 2009. The awards program recognizes freight industry organizations for their efforts to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by their freight operations. The 2009 awards include winners from four categories: truck carriers, shippers, logistics companies, and affiliates. For more information, link to the 2009 SmartWay Excellence Award Winners and the SmartWay Transport Partnership website. (10-6-09)

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Updated guidance on analyzing for mobile source air toxics emissions as part of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for highway projects has been issued by the Federal Highway Administration. The updated guidance reflects final regulations on air toxics issued by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2007 (72 Fed. Reg. 8430, 2/26/07); addresses stakeholder requests to broaden the horizon years of emission trends performed with the MOBILE6.2 emissions model from 2020 to 2050; and updates the status of scientific research on air toxics. The update also improves the organization and updates headings and references in the guidance. For additional information, link to the Interim Guidance Update on Mobile Source Air Toxic Analysis in NEPA Documents. (10-2-09)

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and other federal and state officials gathered at the Port of Long Beach on Oct. 1, 2009, to announce the award of $26.5 million in grant funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support clean diesel technology projects in southern California. The funds will be used to replace, repower, or retrofit diesel engines in school buses, heavy-duty trucks, construction vehicles, locomotives, and cargo handling equipment in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The clean diesel projects will be implemented through partnerships with the California Air Resources Board, CalTrans, the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. For more information, including fact sheets about the projects, link to the EPA news release. (10-1-09)

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The U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center has released its annual report that estimates gasoline reduction impacts of the Clean Cities government-industry partnership for the previous calendar year. Clean Cities is a network of approximately 90 coalitions, government agencies, and private companies that provides tools and resources for voluntary, community-centered programs to reduce petroleum consumption in the transportation sector. The 2008 report reflects data submitted by Clean Cities coordinators on the sales of alternative fuels, deployment of alternative fuel vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, idle reduction initiatives, fuel economy activities, and programs to reduce vehicle miles driven. The report finds that in 2008 approximately 412 million gallons of gasoline were displaced through Clean Cities activities, or 14 percent more than in 2007. For more information, link to Clean Cities Annual Metrics Report 2008. (9-24-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published a final report on the second phase of a project to evaluate the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program. Mandated by Section 1808 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the study evaluated and assessed the direct and indirect impacts of CMAQ-funded projects on air quality and congestion levels. The first phase evaluated 67 CMAQ-funded projects from the FHWA database. Phase II of the study involved site interviews of metropolitan planning organizations and state departments of transportations at seven locations across the country to document effective practices for CMAQ project selection and implementation. The final report also identifies challenges and opportunities for improvement in CMAQ program implementation and includes case studies of the site visits. For more information, link to SAFETEA-LU 1808: CMAQ Evaluation and Assessment, Phase II Final Report. (9-22-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule requiring annual reporting of greenhouse gas emission from large industrial sources that emit over 25,000 metric tons per year of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. The rule agency estimates that the new reporting system will cover approximately 85 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and apply to 10,000 facilities, including automobile manufacturers, petroleum refineries, power plants, portland cement plants, landfills, and others. The rule will require facilities and suppliers to begin collecting data on Jan. 1, 2010, with the first annual reports covering calendar year 2010 due March 31, 2011. The rule also will require vehicle and engine manufacturers outside of the light-duty sector to begin reporting for the 2011 model year. The rule will be effective 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. A fact sheet, full text of the final rule, and related resources are available at EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions website. (9-22-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency will conduct a webinar tutorial on Sept. 23, 2009, to showcase the new Health Benefits Module of the Diesel Emissions Quantifier (DEQ), a web-based interactive tool designed to help state and local governments, fleet owners and operators, contractors, and others applying for funding for clean diesel projects to estimate emission reductions. The new feature allows user to estimate the resulting benefits in monetary terms, based solely on the change in fine particulate matter concentrations (PM-2.5). For more information and to register, link to the DEQ Health Benefits Module Tutorial and EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign website. (9-17-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has announced in a court filing that it will reconsider its March 27, 2008, final rule that revised the national ambient air quality standards for ground-level ozone, the primary component in smog. The 2008 rulemaking of the Bush Administration set both the primary and secondary ozone standards at 0.075 parts per million. According to EPA, those standards were not as protective as recommended by the agency’s panel of science advisors, the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee. As part of the reconsideration, EPA will review over 1,700 scientific reports and public comments from the 2008 rulemaking process and issue a new proposed rule by December 2009, with final action by August 2010. For more information, including a fact sheet on the reconsideration, link to EPA’s Ground-Level Ozone website. (9-16-09)

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A proposed rule to establish a national program to increase fuel economy standards and set the first federal limits on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks was jointly announced Sept. 15 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. The proposal would require vehicles sold in model year 2016 to achieve an average of 35.5 miles per gallon and to meet an estimated combined average emission level of 250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. The coordinated national program is intended to provide clearer rules for automobile manufacturers, rather than separate standards at the federal and state levels. According to the administration, the proposal would reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cars and light trucks by 21 percent in 2030, the equivalent of taking 42 million cars out of use. Comments will be due 60 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register. A pre-publication version of the proposed rule, supporting documents, and a draft environmental impact statement for the proposed fuel economy standards are available on NHTSA’s CAFE website and on EPA’s Transportation and Climate website. (9-15-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency is requesting applications for the 10th annual Clean Air Excellence Awards, which recognize innovative programs, projects, or technologies that reduce air emissions. Categories for the 2009 awards include: Clean Air Technology; Community Action; Education/Outreach; Regulatory/Policy Innovations; Transportation Efficiency Innovations; Gregg Cooke Visionary Program Award; Thomas W. Zosel Outstanding Individual Achievement Award. Applications are due Sept. 25, 2009. For more information, link to the EPA Clean Air Excellence Awards Program website. (9-10-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the August 2009 issue of its Transportation and Climate Change newsletter, which includes updates on recent state and federal actions and events. For more information, link to the Transportation and Climate Change Newsletter – August 2009. (9-9-09)

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A State-of-the-Practice report addressing air toxics issues of concern to transportation agencies has been posted on the Center for Environmental Excellence by AASHTO website. The report was compiled the Air Quality Community of Practice (CoP) – one of three CoPs launched by the Center.  The report provides an overview of regulations and interim guidance on air toxics, provides an overview of eight state DOTs’ practices for mobile source air toxics analyses, and describes research underway and future research needs. The Air Quality CoP includes representatives from ten state transportation agencies, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transportation Administration, and AASHTO.  For more information, link to the Communities of Practice page on the Center website and to the Air Quality CoP State-of-the Practice Report.  (8-28-09)

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A report funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and produced by the National Research Council examines the relationship between land development patterns and motor vehicle travel in the United States. The report documents a study conducted by the Transportation Research Board and the Board on Energy and Environmental Systems to assess whether petroleum consumption, and by extension greenhouse gas emissions, could be reduced through compact, mixed-use development. The report estimates that reductions in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), fuel use, and carbon dioxide emissions resulting from more compact development would range from less than 1 percent to 11 percent by 2050. However, members of the committee that produced the report disagreed about whether the changes in development patterns and public policy necessary to achieve the higher estimates are plausible. TRB will conduct webinar on the report on Oct. 21, 2009, from 2-3 PM EDT. For more information, link to Driving and the Built Environment: The Effects of Compact Development on Motorized Travel, Energy Use, and CO2 Emissions (TRB Special Report 298). (9-1-09)

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The August 2009 edition of the Federal Highway Administration’s Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) Bulletin highlights a current “hot topic” of program research: transportation and climate change. The bulletin offers examples of how FHWA is using STEP funds to address climate change, including the Carbon Sequestration Pilot Program; the recently-launched Transportation and Climate Change Newsletter and website; the Gulf Coast Study of potential climate change impacts on transportation infrastructure; and U.S. DOT’s Transportation and Climate Change Clearinghouse. The bulletin also includes highlights of fiscal year 2009 research and upcoming climate change related training and events. For more information, link to the August 2009 STEP Bulletin. (8-28-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has announced the awarding of $20 million in Recovery Act grants through the SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program to support the purchase of new, cleaner or retrofitted vehicles and equipment. Grants were awarded to three communities: the Houston-Galveston Area Council for a revolving fund to clean up trucks at the port of Houston; Cascade Sierra Solutions in Oregon for revolving loan, lease, or bond programs to replace or upgrade older diesel trucks; and Louisville Jefferson Metro County Government for a revolving loan program to replace, repower, or retrofit older construction, agricultural, or other nonroad diesel equipment. For more information, link to the news release and the SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance Program website. (8-27-09)

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The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced the closing of its Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) Program, also known as “Cash for Clunkers,” that offered incentives for consumers to trade in older cars or trucks for new, more fuel efficient vehicles. The program ended ahead of its originally scheduled November expiration, with almost 700,000 vehicles traded in for more fuel efficient models and rebate applications totaling $2.88 billion submitted by the August 25 deadline. Congress had allocated $3 billion to run the program. For more information, including program statistics, link to the news release and the CARS program website. (8-26-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has joined a consortium of government, industry, and academic representatives working to advance clean, efficient automotive technology, known as EcoCar. The consortium also hosts “EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge,”  a three-year competition among universities in the United States and Canada to design and integrate advanced technologies for reducing fuel consumption and emissions into a 2009 Saturn Vue automobile. EPA will sponsor the program through mentoring, technical support, dynamometer emissions testing on competition vehicles, and competition judging. Other sponsors of the program include the U.S. Department of Energy, the California Air Resources Board, Environment Canada, and General Motors Corp. For more information, link to the news release and the EcoCar Challenge website. (8-12-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the July 2009 edition of its Transportation and Climate Change newsletter, which includes updates on recent state and federal actions and events. For more information, link to the Transportation and Climate Change Newsletter – July 2009. (8-10-09)

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The White House has announced the awarding of $2.4 billion in grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support the development of U.S. manufacturing capacity for advanced batteries and electric drive components and the deployment of electric hybrid and plug-in vehicles. The Department of Energy is distributing the funding to 48 projects as part of a competitive grant program, including $1.5 billion for U.S.-based manufacturers of batteries and related components; $500 million for U.S. manufacturers of electric drive components for vehicles; and $400 million for the purchase, testing, and evaluation of plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles, installation of electric charging infrastructure, and related training. For more information, link to the press release and list of grant awardees. (8-5-09)

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The state of California has released for public review a draft of its multi-sector strategy for adapting to climate change impacts. The proposed 2009 California Climate Adaptation Strategy Discussion Draft summarizes current science on how climate change could impact the state, and offers recommendations for managing those impacts in seven sectors, including transportation infrastructure. According to the report, predicted impacts from higher temperature and extreme weather events include increased risk of premature deterioration or failure of transportation infrastructure and increased damage from flooding of tunnels, coastal highways, railways, and airports. Proposed adaptation strategies include the development of a climate vulnerability and adaptation plan, including a transportation “hot-spot” map; integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation policies into transportation planning; and development of design and engineering standards that address vulnerable transportation infrastructure. Other adaptation strategies include assessing environmental impacts from climate change when rehabilitating the transportation system or siting new projects and incorporating climate change impacts into disaster preparedness planning for all transportation modes. Comments are due Sept. 17, 2009. For more information, link to the California Climate Adaptation Strategy website. (8-3-09)

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AASHTO has launched a new website that describes strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, with a goal of reducing emissions in the United States by 80 percent by 2050, compared to 2005 levels. The website provides information on four strategies: reducing the annual growth in driving, shifting to fuels that produce low or zero carbon dioxide emissions, increasing vehicle fuel efficiency, and improving the efficiency and operation of the transportation system. The website includes best practices, state examples, research findings, videos, a companion brochure, and links to other climate change resources. For more information, link to Real Transportation Solutions for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions. (7-27-09)

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U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced the beginning of the federal Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) Program, commonly known as “Cash for Clunkers,” that offers incentives for consumers to trade in older, less fuel efficient cars or trucks for new, more environmentally friendly vehicles. The program offers buyers discounts of up to $4,500 from car dealers when they trade in their old vehicle and purchase a new, qualifying vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the $1 billion federal program could remove approximately 250,000 less fuel efficient vehicles from U.S. roadways. For more information, including final eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions, link to the news release and the CARS program website. (7-27-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it will reconsider portions of its ambient air quality monitoring requirements for lead. The agency will review whether additional monitoring requirements near industrial sources are warranted and reconsider monitoring requirements for urban areas. The action is in response to a petition for reconsideration of EPA’s November 2008 final rule that required states to place monitors near sources emitting one or more tons of lead per year and in urban areas with populations greater than 500,000. The agency will issue a proposed rule later in the summer of 2009. For more information, including a fact sheet and documents related to the petition, link to EPA’s Lead in Air website. (7-22-09)

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The International Road Federation has designed a new greenhouse gas emissions calculator tool that provides a methodology for the calculation and modeling of emission estimates in carbon equivalency for road construction and maintenance projects. The new tool is designed to allow public and private entities to monitor and assess their emissions and reduce them through selection of alternative materials or techniques. For more information, link to the IRF Greenhouse Gas Calculator. (7-21-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the latest update on issues related to transportation conformity, including upcoming events and training opportunities.  For more information, link to Transportation Conformity Highlights May/June 2009. (7-10-09)

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the University of Michigan will conduct a joint study on the health effects of air pollution on children living near roadways, the agency has announced. The $1.4 million study will look at traffic-associated pollution in Detroit and whether it could lead to more severe asthma attacks in children ages 6 to 14. The study will also explore whether traffic exposure has any effects on the likelihood of respiratory viral infections and will help researchers improve the predictive capabilities of computer models. EPA said the research will help state highway planners and environmental agencies assess local impacts of vehicle emissions and determine the need for and impact of future road projects. For more information, link to Childhood Health Effects from Roadway and Urban Pollutant Burden Study. (7-7-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the latest edition of its Transportation and Climate Change newsletter, which includes updates on recent state and federal actions and events. For more information, link to the Transportation and Climate Change Newsletter – June 2009. (7-7-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has issued a supplemental memorandum relating to the federal share for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) projects carried out in fiscal 2008 or 2009 to clarify the treatment and federal share of funds transferred to the CMAQ program. For more information, link to Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality - Increased Federal Share Supplement. (7-6-09)

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has extended the comment period by 60 days on its proposed rule to revise the national Renewable Fuel Standard program. The original comment period was to end on July 27, 2009, has been extended to Sept. 25, 2009. The proposed rule would dramatically increase the volume requirements for renewable fuels, establish four categories of renewable fuels, and require some renewable fuels to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to the gasoline and diesel fuels they displace. These revisions were mandated by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. For more information, link to EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Program website. (7-2-09)

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a proposed rule that would set engine and fuel standards for U.S. flagged ships and would harmonize with international standards. The rule follows a proposal last March by the United States and Canada to designate thousands of miles of the two countries’ coasts as an Emission Control Area (ECA). By 2030, the domestic and international strategy is expected to reduce annual emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from large marine diesel engines by about 1.2 million tons and particulate matter (PM) emissions by about 143,000 tons. When fully implemented, the coordinated effort would reduce NOx emissions by 80 percent and PM emissions by 85 percent compared to current emissions. The proposal would add two new tiers of NOX standards and strengthen EPA’s existing diesel fuel program for these ships. For more information on the proposal, link to EPA’s Oceangoing Vessels website. (7-1-09)

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The Environmental Defense Fund has issued a report that estimates the economic and environmental benefits to 13 states that have adopted California’s motor vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) performance standards, which EPA approved on June 30. EDF performed an analysis of automobile fleet data for the 13 states that compared one scenario using current and projected federal fuel economy standards with a second scenario representing implementation of California’s standards. According to the report, states adopting the California standards will avoid consuming 16 billion gallons of fuel in 2030, at a savings of $40 billion, and avoid emitting 100 million metric tons of greenhouse gases. The report also estimates cumulative GHG emissions reductions of nearly 1 billion tons between 2010 and 2030. For more information, link to Saving Fuel, Saving Money, Saving Our Climate. (6-30-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has granted California’s waiver request enabling the state to enforce its greenhouse gas emissions standards for new motor vehicles, beginning with the current model year. EPA finds that California continues to have a need for its motor vehicle emissions program, including the greenhouse gas standards and that the California program meets legal requirements. When a new national program takes effect, California will allow automakers who comply with the national program to also be deemed in compliance with the state requirements. For more information, link to California Greenhouse Gas Waiver Request. (6-30-09)

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Air quality standards for nitrogen dioxide would be strengthened under a proposal issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The proposed revisions would apply to the primary NO2 standard and would establish, for the first time, a one-hour NO2 standard at a level between 80 parts per billion (ppb) to 100 ppb; retain the current annual average NO2 standard of 53 ppb; add NO2 monitoring within 50 meters of major roads in cities with at least 350,000 residents; and continue monitoring “area-wide” NO2 concentrations in cities with at least 1 million residents. For more information, link to Proposed Revisions to Nitrogen Dioxide Primary National Air Quality Standards. (6-26-09)

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A new report published by environmental and natural resources policy organization Resources for the Future assesses threats from climate change on U.S. infrastructure. The report focuses on four infrastructure sectors:  transportation; energy generation and transmission; water, sewer, and telecommunications; and coastal defense. According to the report, threats to transportation infrastructure include damage to road and railways from flooding and higher temperatures, impacts to Arctic infrastructure from loss of permafrost, and increased stormwater runoff from intense precipitation events. Recommended policy responses include integration of planning; encouraging technology innovation and updates to building standards; and taking advantage of extreme events such as hurricanes to improve damaged infrastructure. For more information, link to Adapting to Climate Change: The Public Policy Response—Public Infrastructure. (6-25-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has released its third National-Scale Air Toxics Assessment (NATA). The assessment estimates cancer and other health risks from exposure to air toxics. The new assessment, which is based on 2002 air emissions data, estimates that most U.S. residents have an average lifetime cancer risk from air toxics of 36 in one million. In addition, the NATA finds that 2 million people, or less than one percent of the U.S. population, have an increased cancer risk of greater than 100 in one million. According to EPA, benzene emitted from mobile sources was the largest contributor to cancer risk. The assessment does not address potential cancer risk from diesel particulate matter exhaust emissions. For more information, link to the news release and the 2002 NATA. (6-24-09)

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A new report describes the results of a study of emissions from new, advanced diesel engines sponsored by the U.S. government and the automotive equipment and petroleum industries. The study, conducted by the Coordinating Research Council Inc. and the Health Effects Institute, found that 2007 model year heavy-duty diesel engines equipped with clean diesel technologies achieved substantial reductions in emissions of nonmethane hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other pollutants that exceed requirements of EPA’s 2007 diesel engine emission standards. For more information, link to Phase I of the Advanced Collaborative Emissions Study. (6-23-09)

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A clarification to March 2006 guidance on qualitative hot-spot analyses in PM2.5 and PM10 nonattainment and maintenance areas has been issued by Federal Highway Administration. The clarification is provided to fulfill conditions of a settlement agreement in a lawsuit challenging a project's conformity determination (Environmental Defense, et al. v. USDOT, et al., No. 08-1107 (4th Cir., dismissed 11/17/08)). The clarification provides further explanation on how to conduct a qualitative PM2.5 or PM10 hot-spot analysis using method A (comparison to another location with similar characteristics). For more information, link to Final PM Qualitative Guidance Clarification. (6-16-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has published a new guidebook to help states save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by implementing clean energy program in their facilities, operations, and vehicle fleets. The guidebook offers strategies, resources, and tools for states to initiate or expand programs that “Lead by Example” to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. For more information, link to Clean Energy Lead by Example Guide on EPA’s State and Local Climate and Energy Programs website. (6-18-09)

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A new report produced by the interagency U.S. Global Change Research Program has concluded that the United States is already experiencing the effects of climate change and must act quickly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The report, Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, synthesizes current scientific research on climate change, including a series of reports from the U.S. Climate Change Science Program and international climate change research. The report focuses on 10 key findings, among them, that climate change is a real human-induced problem that is already underway, and that the changes and their effects on the United States will continue to grow. The findings also specify areas of concern, including growing threats to human health, stresses on water resources, and the danger of sea-level rise, and include a call to action to address greenhouse gas emissions. The report also assesses anticipated regional impacts in the United States and describes the effects of climate change on the transportation, water and energy, agriculture, and other sectors. For more information, link to Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States. (6-16-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has announced the availability of up to $10 million in grants to local and tribal governments to support climate change initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agency intends to award 20-30 cooperative agreements of up to $500,000 each for planning, demonstration, or implementation projects that reduce greenhouse gases and that serve as sustainable models that can replicated in other communities. Priority areas for proposed projects include land use, transportation, or community master planning; reduction in vehicle miles traveled; heat island management; and others. For more information, link to the Climate Showcase Communities Grant website. (6-15-09)

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The Transportation Research Board and AASHTO are cosponsoring an online briefing on June 30, 2009, that will include a presentation on the fundamentals of climate change by Dr. Steven Davis-Mendelow of The Climate Project. The webinar will be held from 2-4 pm EDT. For more information and to register, link to TRB Webinar: Climate Change 101. (6-10-09)

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The Center for Clean Air Policy has issued a report that describes innovative measures urban local governments have begun to take to adapt to anticipated climate change impacts. The report focuses on 10 large cities and counties participating in CCAP’s Urban Leaders Adaptation Initiative and highlights efforts each have made to incorporate climate change into infrastructure and land use planning decisions. The report also contains a set of best practices for local communities based on the experience of CCAP’s urban leaders and offers policy recommendations for the federal government to encourage climate adaptation efforts. For more information, link to Ask the Climate Question: Adapting to Climate Change Impacts in Urban Regions. (6-6-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the latest edition of its Transportation and Climate Change newsletter, which includes updates on recent state and federal actions and events. For more information, link to the Transportation and Climate Change Newsletter – May 2009. (6-4-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will issue a joint proposed rule to establish a coordinated national program of federal greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards for passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles built in model years 2012 through 2016. Under the proposal, EPA would establish a national carbon dioxide (CO2) vehicle emission standard under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act with a limit of 250 grams/mile of CO2 in model year 2016. Also under the proposal, NHTSA would establish corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards under the Energy Policy Conservation Act requiring cars and light trucks to achieve a combined fleet average of 35.5 miles per gallon in 2016. The agencies will issue their joint proposed rule in the near future. For more information, link to the Federal Register notice. (5-22-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has announced the latest winners of the agency’s Clean Air Excellence Awards.  The award recipients for 2008 were selected from 125 applicants and represent achievements in the following categories: clean air technology, community action, education/outreach, regulatory policy innovations, transportation efficiency innovations, and outstanding individual achievement.  For more information, link to the Clean Air Excellence Awards Program website. (5-13-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has released two new outreach documents related to transportation and climate change. The first document provides steps individuals can take to reduce climate change by improving automobile fuel efficiency.  The second document provides background on the issue of highways and climate change. It provides definitions and explains concepts like the greenhouse effect, transportation’s role in climate change, strategies to reduce emissions, and activities FHWA is undertaking to address the issue. For more information, link to 10 Simple Steps to Reducing Climate Change and the Highways and Climate Change Brochure. (5-13-09)

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A summary report documenting a 2008 peer workshop on climate change adaptation for transportation has been posted on the Federal Highway Administration website. The workshop, held in Washington D.C. on Dec. 11, 2008, was sponsored by FHWA with the support of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). It addressed current transportation system adaptation practices and strategic needs. For more information, link to Summary Report: Peer Workshop on Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts. (5-12-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the latest monthly update on issues related to transportation conformity, including upcoming events and training opportunities.  For more information, link to Transportation Conformity Highlights April 2009. (5-13-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing a proposed rule to change the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program for 2010 and beyond to meet requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act. Under the RFS program, the volume of renewable fuel required to be blended into transportation fuel will gradually increase from 9 billion gallons in 2008 to 36 billion gallons by 2022. The proposal would establish four new categories of renewable fuels: cellulosic biofuels, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuels, and total renewable fuel. The proposal also would for the first time establish mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reduction thresholds for the various categories of renewable fuels. Comments will be due 60 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register. A fact sheet, pre-publication version of the proposed rule, and related documents are available on EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Program website. (5-5-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has announced a list of upcoming training sessions across the country to familiarize users with the draft motor vehicle emissions simulator (MOVES2009) emissions model.  The training sessions include a "hands on" component, and space may be limited.  Attendees must bring their own laptop computers with Draft MOVES2009 already installed and should contact the local training sponsor to confirm participation. For more information, link to Moves Training Sessions. (5-5-05)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the April 2009 edition of its Transportation and Climate Change newsletter, which includes updates on recent state and federal actions and events. For more information, link to the Transportation and Climate Change Newsletter. (5-5-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published a progress report on a pilot program to consider the feasibility of state departments of transportation reducing and sequestering greenhouse gas emissions in vegetation within highway rights-of-way (ROW). The report documents progress by the New Mexico Department of Transportation under the pilot program to quantify the amount of atmospheric carbon that can be sequestered by grasslands along the highway ROW. The report also offers lessons learned that are applicable to other state DOTs in evaluating the viability of their carbon sequestration practices. For more information, link to Carbon Sequestration Pilot Program: Implementation and Next Steps. (February 2009)

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The Environmental Defense Fund and the NAFA Fleet Management Association have developed an online tool designed to help fleet managers measure their greenhouse gas emissions as a first step to “greening” their vehicle fleets. The new emissions calculator estimates total fleet greenhouse gas emissions from fuel consumption data, allowing fleet managers to track their emissions reductions over time. For more information, link to the Fleet Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator. (4-23-09)

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A new report published by the Environmental Defense Fund highlights innovative public transit systems currently operating both in rural and urban areas across the country. The report, Reinventing Transit: American Communities Finding Smarter, Cleaner, Faster Transportation Solutions, provides 11 case studies of how cutting-edge transit projects have been implemented quickly and cost-effectively in different settings. Case studies include rural transit in San Joaquin Valley, Calif.; suburban bus rapid transit in Los Angeles; streetcars in Portland, Ore.; and bike transit centers in Washington, D.C. For more information, including videos on each case study, link to EDF’s Report: Reinventing Transit webpage. (4-23-09)

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Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have issued a preliminary analysis showing that levels of the key greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane increased in 2008. After measuring worldwide CO2 and methane emissions at the end of December 2008 for its Annual Greenhouse Gas Index, NOAA observed that emissions continued to climb last year, despite the worldwide economic downturn, which affects activities that depend on fossil fuel use. For more information, link to the news release. (4-21-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has announced the winners of its Climate Change and Ozone Layer Protection Awards program for 2009. The agency recognized over 40 individuals, organizations, and companies from around the world for their contributions to the restoration and protection of the ozone layer and climate system. For more information, link to the Ozone Layer Protection Awards and the Climate Protection Awards.  (4-21-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has announced a proposed rule to find that greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that endangers public health or welfare. The proposal was issued in response to a 2007 Supreme Court ruling related to emissions from motor vehicles, which directed EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles or explain why it does not. The proposal includes two distinct findings under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act. First, the agency identifies six key greenhouse gases that it believes may endanger public health and welfare. In its second finding, EPA proposes that combined emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and hydrofluorocarbons from new motor vehicles and motor vehicle engines contribute to the atmospheric concentrations of these gases and to the threat of climate change. The proposal does not include any new requirements affecting industry or other entities, but lays the groundwork for EPA to begin regulating greenhouse gas emissions. Comments will be due 60 days after the proposal is published in the Federal Register. A pre-publication version of the proposed rule, along with a technical support document and other resources, is available on EPA’s website for the proposed endangerment finding. (4-17-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a draft of its motor vehicle emission simulator – MOVES2009 – and is seeking input on the model prior to release of the final version later this year. EPA is asking users to “test drive” the model so that any needed adjustments can be made prior to its final release. Once finalized, MOVES2009 will take the place of the MOBILE6 and NONROAD for all official analyses associated with regulatory development, compliance with statutory requirements, and national/regional inventory projections. The draft MOVES2009 represents the agency’s most up-to-date assessment of mobile source emissions. The model “will estimate emissions for on-road and nonroad mobile sources, cover a broad range of pollutants, and allow multiple scale analysis – from fine-scale analysis to national inventory estimation,” according to the agency. For more information, link to the EPA Modeling and Inventories website. (4-9-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has released a final report describing the potential impacts of climate change on regional U.S. air quality. The report, prepared by the agency’s Global Change Research Program, finds that climate change may lead to higher levels of ozone pollution in some regions and that future ozone management decisions may need to account for possible climate change impacts. The report also acknowledges that uncertainly still exists over specific regional patterns of ground-level ozone changes due to climate change. For more information, including link to the Assessment of the Impacts of Global Climate Change on Regional U.S. Air Quality: A Synthesis of Climate Change Impacts on Ground-Level Ozone. (4-17-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it will preview a new green technology for moving cargo containers at the Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress from April 20-23, 2009, in Detroit. The agency and industry partners have applied EPA’s patented series hydraulic hybrid vehicle technology to a heavy-duty truck designed to transfer cargo containers at marine ports, rail yards, and other distribution facilities. The new technology, which was developed as part of the National Clean Diesel Campaign’s Clean Ports USA program, will help reduce idling and associated fuel consumption and diesel emissions. For more information, link to EPA’s National Clean Diesel Campaign website. (4-16-09)

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The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that through April 15, 2009, its National Clean Diesel Campaign has allocated over $58 million to 30 states to fund clean diesel activities under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. $300 million in total was made available under ARRA to support diesel emission reduction programs; the creation of national, state, or local innovative clean diesel financing programs; the use, development, and commercialization of emerging emission reduction technologies; and clean diesel grant and loan programs administered by the states. The Recovery Act funding is in addition to any fiscal year 2009 EPA National Diesel Emissions Reduction Program Appropriation Funds. For more information, link to Recovery Act Funding for the National Clean Diesel Campaign. (4-15-09)

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The Federal Highway Administration has published the latest monthly update on issues related to transportation conformity, including upcoming events and training opportunities.  For more information, link to Transportation Conformity Highlights March 2009. (4-13-09)

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