Articles tagged with "pollution-control"
Trump Redirects Pollution-Control Funding to Prop Up More Polluting Coal Plants - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica reports that the Trump administration has redirected pollution-control funding to support coal plants that are more polluting and expensive to operate. This move is seen as an effort to prop up the coal industry despite its environmental and health consequences. The Sierra Club, through its Beyond Coal Campaign Director Laurie Williams, strongly criticized the decision, stating that it prioritizes fossil fuel industry profits over the health and wellbeing of Americans. Williams emphasized that the administration’s actions, including removing health considerations from rulemaking and cutting pollution-control funding, will lead to dirtier air, unsafe drinking water, increased illness, and premature deaths. The Sierra Club, highlighted in the article, is a major environmental organization focused on promoting clean energy, protecting public health, and preserving natural habitats through activism, education, and legal efforts. The article underscores the tension between environmental advocacy groups and the Trump administration’s policies favoring fossil fuels, particularly coal, at the expense of environmental and public health protections.
energycoal-powerpollution-controlfossil-fuelsclean-energyenvironmental-policyair-qualityAutonomous robots to clean up polluted waters to stop 'dead zones'
South Korean company ECOPEACE is expanding its global operations for autonomous water-quality management systems, with upcoming pilot projects planned in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ECOPEACE uses AI-powered semi-submerged robots called ECOBOT to detect and remove algae and other pollutants from waterways in real time. These robots operate continuously, employing stainless-steel microfilters and electrochemical treatments to break down contaminants, aiming to prevent harmful algal blooms before they escalate into environmental crises. Algal blooms deplete oxygen in water, creating “dead zones” that threaten aquatic life and public health, while also impacting tourism and fishing industries. Traditional monitoring and cleanup methods are labor-intensive and reactive, whereas ECOPEACE’s automated system integrates real-time sensor data with AI to dynamically adjust treatment processes. Singapore’s advanced urban water governance and the UAE’s challenging hot, water-scarce environment provide contrasting testbeds for the technology, with success in these locations potentially demonstrating broad applicability worldwide.
robotautonomous-robotswater-quality-managementAIenvironmental-technologypollution-controlsmart-water-systemsEnvironmental & Community Orgs File Lawsuit to Stop Trump Exemptions from Air Pollution Rules for Steel Industry Coke Ovens - CleanTechnica
Community, health, and environmental organizations, including NRDC, Earthjustice, and the Southern Environmental Law Center, have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to challenge the Trump administration’s exemption allowing steel industry coke ovens to bypass critical air pollution controls. The administration granted a two-year nationwide exemption for all 11 coke oven facilities in November 2025, claiming that required emissions-control technologies were not yet commercially viable. However, the EPA had recently found these updated pollution standards posed no significant immediate compliance challenges. Critics argue this exemption endangers public health by permitting continued toxic emissions of carcinogens and neurotoxic pollutants, particularly harming communities near facilities like ABC Coke in Alabama. The 2024 EPA coke oven rule introduced stricter emissions limits, mandatory fenceline air monitoring, and tighter controls on leaks from coke oven components, with compliance deadlines set between mid-2025 and early 2026. Advocates emphasize that these regulations were the result of long-standing community
energypollution-controlsteel-industryenvironmental-lawair-qualityindustrial-emissionsEPA-regulationsEurovignette for Ukraine: Truck Tolling to Save Ukrainian Roads & Environment - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica explores the potential implementation of a Eurovignette-style truck tolling system in Ukraine to address the deteriorating state of its road infrastructure and environmental concerns. Since 2024, Ukraine’s State Road Fund has been largely diverted to military needs, leaving insufficient resources for road maintenance. As a result, road conditions have worsened significantly, with projections indicating that by 2025, 38% of road kilometers will be in poor condition. Additionally, Russian aggression has damaged 25,000 km of roads and 344 bridges. The aging and overloaded truck fleet—averaging 16.2 years old and dominated by less energy-efficient vehicles—exacerbates road damage and urban pollution. The article highlights that tolling trucks based on their road wear and environmental impact aligns with the “user pays” and “polluter pays” principles and could generate substantial revenue to support road repairs and sustainable development. Financial modeling suggests that tolling trucks over 12 tons on key
energytransportationtolling-systemsroad-infrastructurepollution-controlCO2-emissionslogistics-costsCourt Sides with Sierra Club and Advocates to Strike Down EPA Clean Air Designation - CleanTechnica
A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of the Sierra Club and environmental advocates by striking down the EPA’s decision to redesignate the Detroit area from “nonattainment” to “attainment” under the Clean Air Act for ground-level ozone pollution. This legal victory, stemming from a 2023 lawsuit, prevents Michigan from avoiding stricter pollution controls and permitting requirements that are crucial for reducing ozone precursor emissions. The ruling comes amid rising asthma rates in Detroit, particularly affecting Black communities, and addresses longstanding air quality issues in the region. The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit found that the EPA acted unlawfully in allowing the redesignation, thereby reinstating stricter air quality standards and permitting rules for new pollution sources in the Detroit area. While the court upheld some EPA findings that let Michigan avoid other nonattainment requirements, the decision effectively closes a loophole that had made it easier for states to circumvent stricter pollution controls. Advocates emphasize that this ruling is a significant step toward improving
energyenvironmental-lawpollution-controlair-qualityClean-Air-ActEPA-regulationspublic-healthTrump EPA Opens Door for More Haze Pollution in Texas, Benefiting Wealthy Utilities - CleanTechnica
The Trump Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved two regional haze pollution plans submitted by the Texas government that effectively allow increased haze pollution without requiring any reductions. These plans replace a stronger federal rule established during the Obama Administration, which mandated the installation of pollution control equipment at 15 of Texas’s dirtiest coal-fired power plants. The new EPA approval permits major coal plant owners, including NRG and Luminant, to avoid implementing these controls, thereby enabling continued or increased emissions of harmful pollutants that contribute to regional haze—a phenomenon that impairs visibility in natural areas and harms public health. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), whose commissioners are appointed by Governor Greg Abbott, has historically submitted weak haze plans that fail to meet Clean Air Act requirements. Environmental advocates, such as the Sierra Club, criticize both the Texas government and the Trump EPA for disregarding public health and environmental concerns in favor of protecting wealthy utilities. The decision comes amid widespread opposition from over 30 organizations urging
energypollution-controlEPAcoal-power-plantsenvironmental-regulationhaze-pollutionTexas-energy-policyStellantis Pushes for More Pollution & Climate Idiocy in EU - CleanTechnica
The article criticizes Stellantis, a major multinational automaker, for lobbying to weaken the European Union’s stringent vehicle emissions regulations set to take effect in about a decade. Despite clear evidence of growing electric vehicle (EV) adoption worldwide—highlighted by Tesla’s success with the Model 3 and Model Y, Norway’s near 100% EV adoption, and China’s over 50% plugin vehicle market share—Stellantis and some European governments, notably Germany and Italy, are pushing to soften these climate policies. Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa and Chairman John Elkann argue that strict emissions rules threaten the European auto industry's growth and could lead to its “irreversible decline,” framing the issue as a need to protect legacy automakers rather than embracing innovation. The article strongly rejects Stellantis’s position, labeling it as regressive and disconnected from climate science and public health imperatives. It suggests that Stellantis’s difficulties in producing competitive EVs reflect leadership and innovation failures rather than a flaw in policy
energyelectric-vehiclesemissions-regulationsclimate-policyautomotive-industryEU-regulationspollution-controlTrump’s EPA Abandons Defense of National Soot Standard That Saves Lives - CleanTechnica
The Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken the unprecedented step of abandoning its defense of the strengthened national standards for fine particulate matter (PM2.5), commonly known as soot. These standards, part of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) under the Clean Air Act, were tightened last year to reduce the allowable annual soot concentration from 12 to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. This change was based on extensive scientific evidence and expert recommendations, aiming to protect public health by preventing thousands of premature deaths and delivering cleaner air, especially for communities near highways, factories, and power plants. Despite the projected health benefits and the importance of the soot standard, the EPA has filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to strike down the rule. Environmental advocates, including the Sierra Club, have condemned this move as a dangerous betrayal of the EPA’s mission to protect communities from toxic pollutants. They argue that the rollback favors fossil fuel interests at the
energyclean-airEPAparticulate-matterpollution-controlenvironmental-policypublic-healthThe First Song Ever Written About A Water Heater - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the release of the first-ever song about a heat pump water heater (HPWH), timed with HPWH Day, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about this energy-efficient technology. The song and its accompanying music video creatively promote the benefits of switching to HPWHs, such as significant energy and cost savings—specifically, an estimated $500 annual savings on electric bills for a family of four according to ENERGY STAR. The video visually emphasizes these savings by depicting money raining from the sky. Beyond cost savings, the article underscores the environmental advantages of HPWHs, which reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about one ton per year compared to fossil fuel water heaters and help prevent local air pollution from nitrogen oxides and particulates. The music video also features people dressed in heat pump water heater costumes, adding a fun and engaging element to the campaign. The article encourages readers to participate in HPWH Week events and stay informed through CleanTechnica’s newsletters and podcasts.
energyheat-pump-water-heaterenergy-efficiencyCO2-emissions-reductionpollution-controlENERGY-STARclean-technologyWe Can Get Rid of Carcinogens and Forever Chemicals in Drinking Water. Will We Do It?
The article discusses a new study revealing that technologies installed to remove PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as forever chemicals, from drinking water also effectively reduce other harmful contaminants, including disinfection byproducts linked to cancer. PFAS are a large group of persistent chemicals that do not degrade in the environment and have been associated with various health issues such as cancers, hormonal disorders, and developmental delays. The US Geological Survey estimates that 45 percent of US tap water may contain at least one PFAS chemical. While routine water disinfection using chlorine removes pathogens, it cannot eliminate PFAS or heavy metals and can create harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, which pose cancer risks. The study, conducted by researchers from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), analyzed data from 19 water systems that installed PFAS filtration technologies between 2018 and 2022. Results showed significant reductions in disinfection byproducts: trihalomethanes
energywater-filtrationenvironmental-technologychemical-safetypollution-controlwater-treatmentPFAS-removalPetrostates Blow Up UN Plastics Conference - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the recent failure of a United Nations conference in Geneva aimed at finalizing a global treaty to address the full life cycle of plastics, including production, design, and disposal. Originally agreed upon by 175 nations in March 2022, the treaty sought to limit plastic production, improve cleanup and recycling, and reduce toxic chemicals associated with plastics. However, the conference ended without a deal, largely due to opposition from oil-producing "petrostates" such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran, who resisted any production caps or binding measures. These countries argued that limiting plastic production would harm commerce and civilization, echoing tactics seen in past climate negotiations. Many countries, including Colombia, the EU, the UK, and small island developing states (SIDS), expressed deep disappointment with the draft treaty, which lacked binding commitments, financial mechanisms, and provisions to phase out harmful chemicals. Representatives from Micronesia and other nations criticized the process as biased and favoring the interests of petro-states
energyplasticsenvironmental-policycarbon-capturepollution-controlchemical-regulationsustainabilityNasal mucus-inspired air filter lasts longer and traps more dust
Researchers at Chung-Ang University in South Korea have developed a novel air filtration system inspired by the mucus layer in the human nose, which naturally traps dust, allergens, and harmful particles. This bioinspired filter, called the particle-removing oil-coated filter (PRO), uses a thin, stable film of biocompatible oil (200 to 500 nanometers thick) applied to standard filter fibers. This coating mimics the sticky mucus barrier and enhances particle capture through capillary adhesion, significantly improving retention compared to conventional filters that rely on weaker van der Waals forces. Field tests conducted in various indoor environments in Seoul, including offices, exhibition centers, and stadiums, demonstrated that the PRO filter not only traps more airborne pollutants but also lasts twice as long as traditional filters. Additionally, its sticky oil layer prevents particles from being dislodged by strong winds, making it suitable for high-airflow locations such as construction sites and metro stations. The filter is compatible with existing HVAC and air purifier systems
materialsair-filtrationbioinspired-designpollution-controlnanotechnologyenvironmental-engineeringsustainable-materialsHousing Policy Has Consequences For Urban Communities ... And Nations - CleanTechnica
The article critiques the housing policy vision outlined in the conservative Project 2025 plan, which emphasizes prioritizing single-family homeownership as central to the American Dream and generational wealth building. The plan advocates for local control over zoning laws but paradoxically supports federal intervention to block progressive urban policies like New York City’s congestion charge. This contradiction highlights a broader political hypocrisy: conservatives decry government overreach unless it serves their agenda. The focus on single-family homes implicitly favors suburban and rural living, often at the expense of urban environments where multi-family housing is common, and which tend to support more diverse and dense populations. The article also discusses the environmental implications of housing patterns, referencing urbanist Lloyd Alter’s experience in Toronto. Alter’s lifestyle, enabled by living in a walkable, transit-accessible neighborhood, results in a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to suburban or rural living reliant on cars. This contrasts sharply with the Project 2025 agenda, which disregards carbon emissions and promotes suburban sprawl through
energyurban-housingpollution-controlzoning-lawscarbon-emissionssuburban-livingenvironmental-policyxAI 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-monitoringOkra and fenugreek extracts remove 90% of microplastics from water
Researchers at Tarleton State University, led by Rajani Srinivasan, have discovered that extracts from okra and fenugreek plants can remove up to 90% of microplastics from water, outperforming synthetic chemicals currently used in wastewater treatment. The team developed a simple method by soaking okra pods and fenugreek seeds to produce powders rich in natural polysaccharides, which effectively trap microplastic particles. Fenugreek powder removed 93% of microplastics within an hour, okra removed 67%, and a blend of both achieved 70% removal in just 30 minutes. This plant-based approach offers a low-cost, biodegradable alternative that avoids the harmful residues associated with synthetic polymers like polyacrylamide. Testing in real-world water samples from oceans, groundwater, and freshwater around Texas showed varying but consistently high removal efficiencies: okra was most effective in ocean water (about 80%), fenugreek excelled in groundwater (80-90%), and the blend
materialsmicroplasticswater-treatmentnatural-polymersenvironmental-technologybiodegradable-materialspollution-control