Articles tagged with "emissions"
Trump administration rolls back fuel economy standards, again
The Trump administration announced a rollback of fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks in the U.S., lowering the target to 34.5 miles per gallon (mpg) for 2031 model-year vehicles, down from the previous standard of 50.4 mpg. This regulatory change also reclassifies crossovers as cars rather than light trucks and permits the production of smaller vehicles similar to those popular in Japan and South Korea. The administration argues that the previous standards would have increased vehicle prices by about $1,000 each. However, since the last rollback in 2020, average new vehicle prices have surpassed $50,000, driven by consumer preference for larger, less fuel-efficient SUVs, challenging the administration’s claim that lower fuel economy aligns with buyer interests. Critics, including former EPA administrator Gina McCarthy, contend that this rollback undermines U.S. leadership in clean vehicle innovation and cedes the global market to countries like China. The recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act further weakened
energyfuel-economyautomotive-industryemissionselectric-vehicleshybrid-carsenvironmental-policyHydrogen, Measured Properly: What 2,000 Projects Reveal About Its Climate Value - CleanTechnica
A comprehensive study published in Nature Energy by Terlouw et al analyzed around 2,000 hydrogen projects over 20 years, providing a rare life-cycle assessment of hydrogen’s climate impact. The study found that if all these projects were realized, hydrogen production would reach about 110 million tons annually, generating roughly 0.4 gigatons of emissions and offsetting between 0.2 and 1.1 gigatons of CO2. However, when compared to a future scenario focused on electrification, hydrogen’s climate benefits shrink by over 80%. The researchers conclude that hydrogen’s best use is replacing existing “dirty” hydrogen in industrial sectors like fertilizer, refining, and methanol production, rather than expanding into new applications where electrification is more efficient. The study highlights steel, biofuels, and ammonia as sectors where hydrogen offers the most significant climate returns, due to its unique role in chemical processes that electricity alone cannot replace. Yet even in steelmaking, hydrogen-based direct
energyhydrogenclimate-changerenewable-energyindustrial-applicationsemissionsclean-technologyScientists Call on Global Leaders to Limit Crop Biofuels Ahead of COP30 - CleanTechnica
Ahead of the COP30 climate negotiations in Belém, Brazil, nearly 100 scientists, including members of the Union of Concerned Scientists, have signed a letter urging global leaders to limit the expansion of crop-based biofuels. The call comes as Brazil promotes a pledge to quadruple the use of "sustainable fuels," including doubling biofuel consumption, as part of climate action efforts. However, scientific evidence indicates that biofuels currently produce on average 16% more greenhouse gas emissions than the fossil fuels they replace. By 2030, biofuels are projected to emit an additional 70 million tons of CO₂ equivalent annually—comparable to adding 30 million diesel cars to the roads. The letter highlights significant environmental and social risks associated with expanding biofuels, including damage to biodiversity-rich regions, depletion of scarce water resources, increased agricultural runoff, and exacerbation of global hunger through higher food prices and volatility. The scientists warn that this expansion risks repeating the destructive "biofu
energybiofuelsclimate-changesustainable-energyemissionsenvironmental-impactrenewable-energyWhy Refrigerant Matters More Than You Think for AC (or Heat Pump) Efficiency - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the critical but often overlooked role of refrigerants in the efficiency, cost, and environmental impact of HVAC systems, including air conditioners and heat pumps. Refrigerants are essential chemical compounds that enable cooling and heating functions, yet many systems operate with improper refrigerant levels. A common issue is undercharging, where systems have less refrigerant than designed, sometimes by about 15 percent, which can occur even at installation due to improper adjustment for specific configurations like longer piping. This undercharging leads to reduced cooling performance and increased energy consumption. Over time, refrigerant leaks caused by aging equipment, corrosion, and vibrations further degrade system efficiency. Residential HVAC systems can lose 5–11 percent of their refrigerant annually, resulting in a significant drop in the coefficient of performance (COP). Even a 10 percent refrigerant loss can reduce system efficiency noticeably, increasing energy bills by $72–$144 during summer months. Larger losses above 20 percent cause steep performance declines and soaring
energyHVACrefrigerantsenergy-efficiencycooling-systemsemissionsHVAC-maintenanceThe LNG Detour: What Scotland's New Ferry Teaches US - CleanTechnica
The article discusses Scotland’s Glen Sannox ferry, launched as the country’s first “green” ferry designed to run on dual fuels—marine diesel and liquefied natural gas (LNG)—with the goal of reducing emissions and improving local air quality on the mainland-Arran route. Despite its green intentions, the project has faced significant challenges, including a decade-long delay, escalating costs, and technical issues. The ferry only entered service in January 2025, ten years after its initial order in 2015. Meanwhile, recent research, notably the ICCT’s 2024 FUMES study, revealed that methane slip (unburned methane emissions) from LNG engines is significantly higher than previously estimated, casting doubt on the ferry’s climate benefits. CalMac’s analysis shows Glen Sannox emits about 10,391 tons of CO2 equivalent annually, approximately 35% more than the older diesel ferry it replaced, the Caledonian Isles, which emits 7,
energyLNGclean-energymaritime-transportemissionsclimate-impactdual-fuel-enginesGet Rid of Dieselgate Cars, Organizations Say - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica marks the 10-year anniversary of the Dieselgate scandal, where millions of diesel cars were found to have cheated emissions tests, emitting pollution far above legal limits. Despite the scandal's exposure a decade ago, many of these high-polluting vehicles remain on European roads, continuing to contribute significantly to air pollution and public health issues. A coalition of organizations—including Transport & Environment (T&E), UNEP, ETSC, CMC, and OPUS RSE—is urging European lawmakers to revise vehicle regulations to systematically identify and remove these cars. Their proposals include real-world emissions testing, annual inspections for older vehicles, mandatory repairs or scrappage funded by manufacturers, and stronger safety checks. The coalition also highlights the ongoing human toll, estimating that Dieselgate-related pollution has caused 124,000 premature deaths so far, with 81,000 more projected. They criticize Europe for lagging behind the U.S., where Volkswagen was forced to buy back or fix affected vehicles.
energyemissionsdieselgatevehicle-pollutionair-qualityenvironmental-policyautomotive-regulationsOrganization Argues We're Entering Dieselgate Sequel - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights concerns raised by Transport & Environment (T&E) that the automotive industry is on the verge of a "Dieselgate sequel," this time involving plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). A decade after the original Dieselgate scandal—where Volkswagen and others were found to have manipulated diesel emissions tests—T&E warns that carmakers are again attempting to misrepresent the true emissions of their vehicles. Specifically, automakers and engine suppliers are lobbying the European Commission to abandon stricter EU regulations (utility factors set for 2025 and 2027) that would more accurately reflect real-world pollution from PHEVs. If successful, this could allow manufacturers to claim lower emissions than actual, potentially leading to hundreds of thousands of more polluting cars on European roads by 2035, undermining efforts to transition to zero-emission vehicles. T&E and allied organizations argue that accurate emissions data for PHEVs is crucial, as current estimates may underestimate their real-world
energyemissionsdieselgateplug-in-hybridsautomotive-industryCO2-reductionenvironmental-policyICCT’s Hydrogen Assessments Remain Flawed & They Need To Fix Themselves - CleanTechnica
The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) recently published a lifecycle assessment (LCA) report on road vehicle decarbonization in Europe that positions hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) as a climate-friendly alternative comparable to battery electric vehicles (BEVs). However, the report has been criticized for focusing on passenger cars in 2025—a segment where hydrogen vehicles have effectively failed in Europe—and ignoring the current market reality where electric buses and heavy goods vehicles dominate. Critics argue that including a "dead segment" like passenger FCEVs misrepresents the state of hydrogen technology and its viability compared to BEVs. More importantly, the ICCT report is faulted for not adequately accounting for hydrogen leakage throughout the supply chain and for using the 20-year global warming potential (GWP20) metric instead of the more common 100-year metric (GWP100). Hydrogen leakage occurs at multiple stages—electrolysis, liquefaction, pipeline transmission, trucking, refueling,
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsvehicle-decarbonizationclimate-changeemissionslifecycle-assessmentclean-transportationThe EIB Lent €7 Billion to Dirty Transport Projects — Analysis - CleanTechnica
The European Investment Bank (EIB), despite branding itself as the ‘EU climate bank’ since 2021, lent over €7 billion between 2021 and 2024 to transport projects that increase CO2 emissions, according to analysis by the green group Transport & Environment (T&E). Notably, €6.1 billion was allocated to new road construction, including a €200 million motorway project in Poland that cuts through protected nature areas and is expected to emit over 3,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent. The EIB controversially counted this motorway project as part of its climate spending, citing improved climate resilience. Additionally, the bank lent nearly €890 million for airport expansions, including €90 million to Bologna Airport and €800 million to the Spanish airport operator Aena, which plans to expand multiple airports, contradicting the bank’s own environmental rules and undermining efforts to reduce aviation emissions. The EIB also financed biofuel projects with questionable sustainability, lending about €1 billion
energytransportationEuropean-Investment-Bankclimate-financebiofuelsemissionsinfrastructurexAI gets permits for 15 natural gas generators at Memphis data center
County regulators have approved permits for Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, to operate 15 natural gas turbines at its data center near Memphis, despite ongoing legal challenges. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) alleges that xAI has been running up to 35 generators without proper permits, with a combined capacity of 421 megawatts. The SELC, representing the NAACP, has raised concerns about potential violations of the Clean Air Act. Under the newly issued permits, xAI is allowed to emit substantial pollution annually, including significant amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and hazardous air pollutants such as formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The company is responsible for maintaining its own emissions records. Community groups funded an independent air quality study prior to the permit issuance, but the SELC criticized the methodology, noting that ozone levels were not measured and that testing was conducted under conditions that likely underestimated pollution exposure. Specifically, testing occurred
energynatural-gas-generatorsdata-centeremissionspollution-controlClean-Air-Actair-quality-monitoringDespite Protests, Elon Musk Secures Air Permit for xAI
Elon Musk’s xAI data center in Memphis has been granted an air permit by the Shelby County Health Department to continue operating its gas turbines, which power the company’s Grok chatbot. This permit was issued despite significant community opposition and an impending lawsuit alleging violations of the Clean Air Act. The xAI facility, located in the predominantly Black Boxtown neighborhood—a historically pollution-burdened area—uses mobile gas turbines that emit harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides. Residents and local leaders, including State Rep. Justin Pearson, have raised concerns about the public health impact of these emissions, describing the situation as a public health emergency. xAI began operating the turbines before obtaining the necessary permits, leading to legal challenges from the NAACP and the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), which argue that the company violated environmental regulations by failing to secure permits and allowing unchecked pollution. The newly issued permit allows xAI to operate 15 turbines until 2027, though reports and aerial footage suggest the company
energygas-turbinesair-permitpollutionclean-air-actsupercomputeremissionsLNG Canada’s True Cost: 2.2 Billion Tons Of CO₂e Over 50 Years - CleanTechnica
LNG Canada, a large liquefied natural gas facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, is nearing full operation and represents a significant development in Canada's energy and climate landscape. The project, led by Shell with international partners, aims to export 14 million tons of LNG annually, sourced from British Columbia’s Montney Formation and transported via the 670-kilometer Coastal GasLink pipeline. While LNG Canada incorporates efficiency measures such as using hydroelectric power for part of its liquefaction energy and employing high-efficiency turbines, the overall LNG supply chain remains energy-intensive and emits substantial greenhouse gases. The facility primarily serves Asian markets, with shorter shipping routes compared to U.S. Gulf Coast LNG exports, which somewhat reduces transit emissions. Despite these efficiencies, the full LNG supply chain experiences significant energy losses—about 66% of the original energy content is lost from extraction through to electricity generation. This includes losses during gas transmission, liquefaction, marine transport, regasification, and power generation,
energyLNGnatural-gasemissionshydroelectricitygas-turbinesenergy-efficiencyxAI is facing a lawsuit for operating over 400 MW of gas turbines without permits
xAI’s Colossus data center near Memphis is facing a lawsuit from the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), acting on behalf of the NAACP, for operating over 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines without the required preconstruction or operating air pollution permits. SELC alleges that xAI installed and ran at least 35 combustion turbines over the past year without regulatory approval, violating the Clean Air Act. These turbines have the potential to emit over 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) annually, pollutants that contribute to smog and exacerbate respiratory issues. Memphis already struggles with poor air quality and high asthma rates, making the unpermitted emissions a significant public health concern. Despite local health authorities initially claiming the turbines were exempt from permitting, SELC’s investigation—including aerial and thermal imaging—confirmed extensive turbine operation without proper permits or pollution controls. Although some turbines have been removed recently, around 26 remain operational, maintaining a generating capacity near 407 megawat
energygas-turbinesair-pollutionClean-Air-Actnatural-gasemissionsdata-center-energy-useThe EPA Wants to Roll Back Emissions Controls on Power Plants
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed rolling back emissions standards for power plants, which are the second-largest source of CO2 emissions in the country. This move comes shortly after NOAA reported record-high seasonal CO2 concentrations. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin criticized previous administrations for prioritizing environmental regulations over economic growth, emphasizing the agency’s intention to support domestic fossil fuel industries, including coal, which has been in decline due to competition from natural gas and renewables. The proposed rollbacks would weaken Biden-era rules that required coal- and gas-fired power plants to reduce emissions by 90% by the early 2030s, primarily through carbon capture and storage technology. The EPA’s justification for the rollbacks includes the argument that US power sector emissions represent a small fraction (3%) of global emissions, and that continued coal use abroad diminishes the impact of US regulations on global greenhouse gas levels. However, critics highlight that the US power sector remains a major domestic polluter, ranking second only
energyEPApower-plantsemissionscarbon-capturefossil-fuelsclimate-policyAviation Professionals Call For A New Flight Plan On Emissions
energyemissionsaviationclimate-changesustainable-aviation-fuelscarbon-footprintfossil-fuelsNew Data On Fossil Fuel Industry Emissions Could Play Pivotal Role In Climate Litigation
energyclimate-changefossil-fuelsemissionscarbon-footprintsustainabilityclimate-litigationPorts, Fuels, & Emissions: How Trump’s Tariffs Are Reshaping Maritime Trade
energyemissionsmaritime-tradefuel-consumptionclimate-changeshipping-routesalternative-power