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The Department of Transportation on Friday issued its final fuel economy standards for passenger cars and trucks with model years 2027 and later, the last of three major tailpipe rules from the Biden administration this year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s final Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) rule follows the initial proposal, released...

Supporters say developing hydrogen as a fuel is critical to slowing climate change. Critics are concerned that producing it with fossil fuels will prop up the oil and gas industry.

The state has made it harder to widen highways, and transportation officials are turning their eyes to transit.

The climate crisis demands swift and decisive action — like bolstering public transportation. The post Is Public Transit A Bulwark Against the Climate Crisis? appeared first on The Revelator.

Investing in outdoor-equity projects and improved public transportation can help address the current disparities in access to nature.

The complaint alleges that federal officials didn’t fully assess the environmental impact before approving the Rose Quarter Improvement Project.

The money will allow the state to implement a dozen programs designed to reduce pollution from transportation, housing and waste.

Read the candidate’s responses to a question about street improvement.

The global transport industry is always evolving. A decade ago, there was a big appetite for autonomous vehicles and cloud computing. These days, the industry is driven by a dual focus on decarbonization and automation across all layers of mobility—road, sea, rail, and air. On the decarbonization front, the broader transportation sector certainly has its work cut out for it. The marine transportation industry, for one, has been under intense scrutiny for its high pollution levels. The nonprofit Our Shared Seas found emissions from the maritime shipping sector are up to one billion tonnes of GHGs every year—the equivalent of an industrialized country like Germany or Japan. For context, that’s about 3% of total global emissions. Left unchecked, this will grow to 130% by 2050, per Our Shared Seas. The aviation industry faces a similar challenge in decarbonization due to the limitations of battery technology for long-haul flights. Now, some good news: Gartner predicts that by 2025, “20% of all new vehicles sold will be electric,” and indeed we are now at the cusp of a massive move to not just make the entire global transport industry greener, but also smarter and safer. THE RACE TO SMARTER, SAFER, AND GREENER ROADS Road transportation is seeing several innovations, as the quest to build smarter, safer, and more environmentally friendly vehicles grows stronger. Major regulatory shifts from governing bodies in the U.S. and  EU are redefining vehicle-safety standards, mandating that vehicles have built-in driver-distraction-monitoring systems that can detect drowsiness, child presence, driver impairment, and more. Some companies are responding to these regulations with cutting-edge innovations that enhance driver monitoring and detection. Although legacy automakers like Ford, Toyota, Nissan, and Tesla didn’t join CES 2024, software-defined autotech products for vehicle safety from leading companies like Cipia, Mobileye, and Smart Eye were some of the major products that headlined the show, spotlighting the race to a smarter and safer future for road transportation. However, the transition to EVs is not without its challenges. Building a robust charging infrastructure is crucial for widespread adoption, as McKinsey notes in its report on how battery makers can respond to surging demand from EVs. Additionally, ensuring the responsible sourcing and disposal of battery materials is critical for the long-term sustainability of this technology. Cipia, a publicly traded Israel-based computer-vision AI company, is helping to build toward safer mobility experiences for road transportation. The company, which uses computer-vision AI for driver and in-cabin sensing, helps “to make cars better understand, cater to, and predict people’s needs,” says Yehuda Holtzman, CEO at Cipia Vision, addomg that the company’s driver monitoring and in-cabin solutions are getting ready for a new era of driving where autonomy meets safety. For Holtzman, the future of road transportation is a combination of smarter and safer vehicular mobility. And he believes the technologies that will enable that future  are already here and getting better by the minute. “As the industry continues to evolve, we will see more iterations and newer innovations in the journey toward making road transportation safer and more enjoyable. Cipia’s technology is poised to be a key player in this transformative journey toward safer, smarter roads,” he notes. Other experts agree with Holtzman, with a report by McKinsey noting that we’ll see “a mobility ecosystem that is more intelligent, seamless, and environmentally friendly” within the next decade. DECARBONIZING THE SEAS Storms of pollution continue to rage on the high seas. Per a report from Sinay on the state of the global transport sector, “Shipping claims the third position in terms of carbon dioxide emissions, comprising 11% of the total, trailing closely behind passenger vehicles at 39%, and medium to heavy trucks at 23%.” The report further said that, if proactive measures are not taken, the maritime sector’s carbon footprint will potentially rise by 50% to 250% by the year 2050. But some companies are combating this challenge head on. One such company is Swedish manufacturer and Volvo subsidiary, Volvo Penta. A few months ago at CES 2024, the company launched a new inboard performance system (IPS) professional platform, describing it as “the industry’s most advanced technology and propulsion platform for commercial marine vessels and super yachts,” adding that the system could deliver about 30% fuel efficiency and cut down on emissions. Johan Inden, president of marine business at Volvo Penta, tells Fast Company that the IPS professional platform heralds a new era of sustainability and efficiency, offering tangible benefits for commercial and recreational vessels. “By embracing hybrid and electric solutions, Volvo Penta aims to spearhead the decarbonization of the marine industry, driving positive change on a global scale,” he says. Volvo Penta’s IPS professional platform combines an advanced propeller architecture and intelligent power-drive system to power its eco-mode feature—an intelligent solution that automatically manages vessel propulsion in real time and optimizes fuel consumption and engine-running hours. SUSTAINABLE AVIATION While the aviation industry faces a major sustainability challenge, advancements in biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) offer a promising path forward (biofuels are derived from renewable sources like plant oils and waste materials, while SAFs are synthetic fuels with similar properties to traditional jet fuel but with a lower carbon footprint). Electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems are also being explored for shorter regional flights. Although these technologies are still in their early stages of development, they are poised to elevate the future of sustainable air travel. Air traffic management systems are also undergoing modernization to optimize flight paths and reduce fuel consumption. These advancements, added to the implementation of new airspace design concepts, can significantly reduce emissions from the aviation sector, as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) explains in detail. CONNECTED MOBILITY IS THE FUTURE The future of mobility lies in a connected ecosystem that combines tech advancements across road, sea, rail, and air. Imagine a world where efficient electric vehicles seamlessly connect with autonomous public transportation systems, supplemented by a network of micromobility options for short trips. A world where cleaner ships powered by alternative fuels navigate optimized routes, minimizing environmental impact and intelligent port automation systems, further streamline logistics and reduce congestion. As some experts already note, air travel will become more sustainable with a combination of biofuels, electric and hybrid-electric regional aircrafts, and optimized air traffic management. Data analytics will also play a crucial role in optimizing traffic flow across all modes of transportation, further reducing emissions and improving efficiency. The journey toward a decarbonized transport sector will be a long one, requiring continued investment in research and development, collaboration between governments and industries, and a shift in consumer behavior toward sustainable travel options. But the potential benefits are significant: A cleaner planet, a more efficient transport system, and a healthier future for all.

Past Presentation | Based on six years of intensive research and devoted exclusively to solutions to man-made global warming, Deep Green cuts through the clutter to bring new clarity to an increasingly-urgent situation. The best applications worldwide in energy efficiency, green building, decarbonizing transportation, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and smart grids, and forest restoration. Some profoundly personal and practical— like what one person can do to lower their carbon load in their own house, with their own Lifestyle, on their own land. Others necessarily complex, such as Southern California Edison’s quest to find the best batteries to electrify transportation.

This is Part 2 of a three-part series examining the controversies and conflicts surrounding the future of the California Air Resources Board's Low Carbon Fuel Standard. Read Part 1 . Michael Wara is worried that a key California climate regulator is about to lock the state into the mistakes of the past. And it’s…

Ferry ridership took a hit during the pandemic. But new terminals, additional routes and faster, smaller boats are driving a new era of water transportation and development.

The spending increases were particularly pronounced for businesses within 100 yards of charging stations, and for businesses in low-income areas.

The U.S. doesn’t need massive truck charging depots on every major highway to meet federal climate goals. It just needs enough on the right highways — the ones where electric trucks are poised to take off the earliest — at the right time. That’s why the Biden administration has launched a national strategy to…

A U.S. EPA rule would require car manufacturers to increase sales of electric vehicles while cutting carbon emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles.

Officials expect New York City’s new tolling system to reduce air pollution, as well as carbon emissions. The impact may be uneven.

Oregon’s third largest district has the largest electric school bus fleet in the state, with 28.

A closely watched lawsuit could block or upend the city’s new tolling program, which will charge most vehicles for entering the busiest parts of Manhattan.

California's failure to build important infrastructure is at the heart of our overreliance on cars. It was once estimated that 50% of the land in American cities is devoted to vehicular infrastructure, and nearly one-quarter is dedicated to parking lots. The solution is right under our noses.

Past Presentation | In a country where one liter of 95 grade car fuel costs less than 25 cents, a man rides a tricycle to get through traffic.

Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Az.) on Friday called on the Biden administration to pause approvals for deepwater oil export terminals. In a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD), Markey and Grijalva called for the approval criteria for deepwater terminals to be expanded to factor in criteria like...

High traffic volume is why New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston consistently fail to meet air quality standards.

Past Presentation | They want to build a road here! Music and images over a beautiful part of the world where the City People want to build a road, to expand the City into the Country.

Past Presentation | Plastic is choking our planet, don’t dwell on it, let’s act. Embark on an odyssey as two Aussies and a bunch of eco guardians ride bicycles from Hanoi to Bangkok meeting proactive locals tackling plastic pollution. Our foe is strong, lightweight, greater in numbers and cheap, but we will prevail!

Now Playing | What started as one man's Quixotic dream has turned to reality. For the past three years the 65-foot"Schooner Apollonia" has been delivering goods up and down the Hudson River by sail -- sans fossil fuels -- a throwback to a day when there were 1,200 such boats on the river each day. It turns out buyers prefer the non-polluting, anti-Amazon way of making deliveries.

Now Playing | Michael Bauch, a Long Beach resident and independent filmmaker, noticed that many of his local errands involved short rides which were less than three miles. In the summer of 2007 he and his family went to Amsterdam, to document the biking and walking culture that is so natural to the Dutch people. The film suggests that we in the U.S. re-examine our view of bicycles.

Ron Wyden, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Rep. Earl Blumenauer and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici on Friday stopped by the offices of Albina Vision Trust.

The study, sponsored by the freight truck industry, adds to concerns over government mandates. But government officials say the move away from fossil fuels will have economic benefits.

Norfolk Southern has agreed to pay $310 million for damages from the 2023 derailment of a freight train carrying toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Thursday.Why it matters: Several different toxic chemicals were released during the derailment and its aftermath, igniting concerns over potential long term health ramifications for residents and environmental impacts.It comes on top of a separate $600 million class-action settlement it reached with East Palestine residents earlier this year.Driving the news: Norfolk Southern's settlement with the federal government resolves a lawsuit filed against the company by the Department of Justice and the EPA for the unlawful discharge of pollutants, oil, and hazardous substances under the Clean Water Act.Under the settlement, Norfolk Southern agreed to spend about $235 million to cover all past and future cleanup costs, the EPA said.It said the company will pay a $15 million civil penalty, $25 million for a 20-year community health program and another $30 million for long-term monitoring of ground and surface water and private drinking water sources for 10 years.It also must allocate roughly $6 million for a waterways remediation plan and pay $175,000 for natural resource damages.Context: Part of the town had to be evacuated after the wreck so first responders could vent and burn more than 115,000 gallons of vinyl chloride — a colorless but hazardous and carcinogenic gas — to mitigate an explosion risk.The burning of the vinyl chloride created a massive smoke plume over the town for several hours and generated large amounts of hydrogen chloride and phosgene, a highly poisonous gas.Butyl acrylate and the ethylhexyl acrylate were also released during the derailment.No one was injured in the immediate crash, but residents have said they are worried about potential long-term health effects.What they're saying: "No community should have to experience the trauma inflicted upon the residents of East Palestine," said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. "Because of this settlement, residents and first responders will have greater access to health services, trains will be safer, and waterways will be cleaner," Regan said.Catch up quick: The derailment led to a massive, ongoing cleanup effort that's so far cost Norfolk Southern over $1.1 billion.The derailment was linked to an overheated wheel bearing on one of the rail cars, according to the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) ongoing investigation into the crash.NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated in a Senate hearing earlier this year burning the vinyl chloride was likely unnecessary.The big picture: The crash drew attention to Norfolk Southern's safety record and highlighted a need for additional rail safety measures to prevent future derailments and other types of incidents.Train accidents have become less common over the past few decades, but thousands still occur around the country each year.Still, compared to other forms of transportation, rail is still considered the safest way to move large quantities of chemicals and hazardous materials over long distances.Norfolk Southern has also pledged to make rail safety improvements that could cost over $200 million.What's next: The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio must approve the settlement before it can go into effect.Go deeper: Better trains are coming. Will America get aboard?

Automakers back the tighter emissions regulation, which climate advocates welcome but feel "falls far short of what is needed."

Read the candidate’s responses to questions about homelessness, police accountability, Portland’s budget and taxes.

Now Playing | Moved by the lack of opportunity for women and youth in her community in El Salvador, Reina Molino ventures to Guatemala to study bici-maquinas—bicycle pedal-power technology. Leaving everything she knows behind, Reina embarks on an inspiring journey of self-empowerment and problem solving. Through the mentorship of Carlos, founder of the social enterprise Bici-Tec and the friendship of Geovany, Reina seeks to find her life purpose and change the lives of people in her community. For more information visit http://bicitec.org/ This video was produced on location by an Actuality Abroad student crew and shot primarily with Canon cameras.

Past Presentation | Truck Farm is about the urban farms taking root in America’s biggest city. The Truck Farm film will carry viewers from a self-sustaining Staten Island barge to a 6,000-square-foot market garden atop a Brooklyn roof to the elaborate Window Farms of two Manhattan artists. Along the way, we’ll see how far today’s city-dwellers are willing to go to grow food on whatever land they’ve got. According to the National Garden Association, 7 million new gardens were planted in 2009, everywhere from White Houses to schoolhouses. Truck Farm is the story of how these gardens are breathing new life into old cities––and helping one old pickup find meaning in its last years on the road.

Past Presentation | 1928, 81st parallel North, the Italia Airship, under the command of general Umberto Nobile, crashes into the North Pole icepack. Nine crew members survive. One dies on impact. Six crew members are trapped inside the airship envelope. They will never be found, and, as of today, their destiny is unknown. Paola Catapano, director of audio-visual communications at the CERN center in Geneva, begins to seek the relic of the Italia airship, and to put together an international team of scientists, explorers and science communicators to pay homage to a lost past and give hope to a future which is in serious danger because of humanity’s irresponsible behavior. In the most remote seas lies the memory of the wreck of the Italia airship, rediscovered and remembered through a voyage which is driven by the need for discovery, commemoration, and knowledge, against the backdrop of a present characterized by uncertainty and nostalgia for a lost past, an alternative present, and a future which may be lost.

How can $20 billion in federal funding unleash hundreds of billions of dollars in private-sector financing for clean energy, transportation and housing — and expand access to all of those things for disadvantaged communities across the country? Jessie Buendia, vice president of sustainability for nonprofit Dream.Org…

Drone company founders with MIT Advanced Study Program roots seek to bring aerial delivery to the mainstream.

Proliferation of hubs for online shopping disproportionately sited in low-income neighborhoods or communities of colorHundreds of mega-warehouses have been built in Illinois for online shopping in recent years and the rise in delivery trucks is polluting neighborhoods already burdened with poor air quality, a new study says.Two million people in Illinois live within a half-mile of large warehouses, which are disproportionately located in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Continue reading...

Construction of the pilot project on U.S. Highway 52 began this month. State officials hope it can help quell range anxiety and electrify long-haul trucks.

Now Playing | "Can Hydroponic Farming Help Reduce the Effects of Climate Change?" is an entertaining and educational short film. Rachel and her remarkable robot companion, Rex, witness the dire consequences of climate change through news reports of devastating natural disasters. When Rex encounters an alien emissary, he embarks on a journey to a ruined world where pollution and climate change led to the collapse of an entire civilization. Returning to Earth the three main causes of global warming are reveal—electricity production, transportation, and wasteful agriculture—and stress the importance of transitioning to clean energy sources, electric transport, and hydroponic farming. Rex takes on the mission of educating robots and humans alike about combating climate change. The film ends with a global commitment to address the crisis and a poignant celebration of Rex's role in this vital endeavor, reminding us of the urgency to protect our planet from climate catastrophe.

Read the candidate’s responses to questions about homelessness, police accountability, Portland’s budget and taxes.

Now Playing | Silent Skies follows the groundbreaking journey of three Pennsylvania college students who orchestrated and piloted the first ever fully electric airplane stadium flyover. Stunning fans with a whisper-quiet show, this event signaled the dawn of America's transition to electric aviation. The students completed a record breaking trip flying the airplane from its base in Hartford, CT to the stadium in Easton, PA, recharging at enroute airports directly from a fleet of electric F-150 trucks. The air travel industry faces an unprecedented challenge: decarbonization. Historically, new aviation technologies are met with consumer skepticism. Demonstrating electric aircraft today, ahead of widespread adoption, is key for building consumer trust, political support, and sustained investment. The flyover was witnessed by 10,000+ attendees, thousands more on ESPN+ and created a precedent for the FAA to approve manned electric aircraft demonstrations over populated areas. Textron eAviation and Ford amplified the event through their social media channels and the film premiered at San Francisco Climate Week.

A new study finds sustained pattern changes — with a lot of regional variation.

The Goldman Environmental Prize celebrates its 35th year by recognizing seven environmental leaders who have made significant impacts in their regions.Liz Kimbrough reports for Mongabay.In short:Seven environmental activists, including two Indigenous leaders from Africa, received the Goldman Environmental Prize for achievements in environmental conservation.Among the winners, efforts ranged from stopping seismic testing in South Africa to protecting forests in India and influencing clean transportation regulations in California.These activists have effectively combated threats like deforestation and pollution, promoting sustainable practices across various regions.Key quote: "There is no shortage of those who are doing the hard work, selflessly. These seven leaders refused to be complacent amidst adversity, or to be cowed by powerful corporations and governments." — John Goldman, president of the Goldman Environmental Foundation.Why this matters: The grassroots efforts of these activists not only protect local ecosystems but also inspire global policies and movements toward environmental justice and sustainability. Read more: “We should take care of what is precious to us."

A relentless wave of dry heat, coupled with a recent outbreak of wildfires, is fueling a summertime scourge of the Intermountain West: the near-daily spikes in ozone and other air pollutants, collectively known as smog. Colorado’s Denver metropolitan region and Northern Front Range — which extends from about the Wyoming border to Boulder — have...

Time for a pop quiz. Which of these trades saves more gas: A) Swapping a car that gets 25 miles per gallon (MPG) for one that gets 50 MPG, or  B) Replacing a car that gets 10 MPG with one that gets 15 MPG. If you said that A conserves more gas, you’re mistaken. And […]

While California waits for the EPA to act, more than 1,200 trucks have obtained new registrations to move cargo at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach this year; 90% run on diesel.

The settlement also mandates rail safety upgrades.

Buyers worldwide are going for bigger cars, erasing gains from cleaner tech.

Organizers of the Games promise to slash greenhouse gas emissions by re-using historic buildings, adding bike lanes, even putting solar panels on the Seine. Will it work?

In a country where the pickup truck is a symbol of the working class, Australia's move toward fuel emissions standards signifies a major policy shift, reflecting global environmental concerns.Michael E. Miller reports for The Washington Post.In short:Australia's lack of fuel emissions standards has placed it alongside countries like Russia and Turkey, contributing to higher pollution levels from older, less efficient vehicles.The proposed regulations aim to align Australia with international standards by 2028, allowing high-emitting vehicles but offsetting them with cleaner models or facing penalties.Critics label the initiative as a "ute tax," predicting price hikes for cars, though the government and some think tanks argue the impact on prices will be minimal.Key quote:"It’s astounding that we haven’t done it until now. It’s the lowest of low-hanging fruit."— Matt Grudnoff, economist at the Australia InstituteWhy this matters:Fuel emissions standards are essential for reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation sector, which is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. By enforcing stricter regulations, governments can compel automotive manufacturers to innovate and develop more fuel-efficient and less polluting vehicles, such as hybrids and fully electric cars.A children's health expert, seeing our kids imperiled by fossil fuels and climate change, calls for a kids-first revamp of energy policies.

Titan Freight Systems is making a significant shift to electric trucks on the West Coast, showcasing both environmental and economic benefits.Peter Fairley reports for The Tyee.In short:Titan Freight Systems in Portland, Oregon, transitions its fleet from diesel to electric, tapping into federal and state subsidies to offset costs.Electrification of Titan's fleet is deemed profitable, with savings on maintenance and fuel costs leading to substantial financial benefits.The move towards electric trucks is part of a larger effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, with heavy-duty trucks being a primary focus due to their significant environmental impact.Key quote: "Look at my return on investment. Holy cow! It’s a 52 per cent cost reduction versus a diesel vehicle. That just takes your breath away."— Keith Wilson, owner of Titan Freight Systems.Why this matters:Switching to electric trucks is not just an environmental imperative but also an increasingly viable economic choice. This shift is crucial for reducing emissions and pollution from one of the most significant contributors: the transportation sector. Titan's successful transition serves as a model for others, signaling a pivotal change in how goods are transported, aligning economic incentives with ecological sustainability.Diesel trucks are causing environmental injustice across US cities.

Read the candidate’s responses to questions about homelessness, police accountability, Portland’s budget and taxes.

Satellite data shows the U.S. releasing more and more of the potent greenhouse gas into the atmosphere, researchers said, despite pledges to cut back.

Tourism to Yellowstone National Park produces 1.03 megatons — more than 1.03 billion kilograms, or 2.3 billion pounds — of carbon dioxide emissions each year, a new study has found. Almost 90 percent of these emissions can be linked to transportation to and from the destination, according to the study, published on Wednesday in PLOS Climate....

A class action suit accusing Norfolk Southern of negligence over the train derailment that released toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio last year can go forward, a federal judge determined Wednesday. Judge Benita Yalonda Pearson rejected the railroad’s arguments that claims in the suit were protected by federal law regulating railroads, instead ruling that the...

The new rule is not a ban on gas cars. Here’s how it works.

Costa Rican authorities seized eight tons of cyanide in the north of the country, near the border with Nicaragua, in a “historic” seizure, according to the Ministry of Public Security on Friday. “It would be the largest seizure of this chemical made in the northern border and possibly in the history of the country”, commonly […] The post Costa Rica Seizes 8 Tons of Cyanide appeared first on The Tico Times | Costa Rica News | Travel | Real Estate.

The Biden administration has announced more than $4 billion in Environmental Protection Act (EPA) grants to cut climate pollution across 30 states. The grants will be disbursed through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and are set to go to a total of 25 projects. The funds will be aimed at reducing greenhouse gas pollution from...

The Biden administration is looking to place charging infrastructure for electric freight trucks in high-traffic corridors, under a new plan it released on Tuesday. The plan calls for electric freight truck chargers to be deployed initially along key stretches of highways. This includes parts of I-95 in the Northeast, sections of I-5 in California and...

This story was originally published by the Guardian and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Joe Biden marked Monday’s Earth Day by announcing a $7 billion investment in solar energy projects nationwide, focusing on disadvantaged communities, and unveiling a week-long series of what the White House say will be “historic climate actions.” The president was […]