xcel
05-05-2007, 04:26 PM
With gasoline crossing over the $3.00 per gallon target nationwide yet again, the US transportation sector as well as our personal habits may have finally crossed over the threshold towards a more sustainable future. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/in-the-news/t-one-persons-viewpoint-the-greening-of-america-4475.html)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/American_Wind_Turbine.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) - May 5, 2007
A few items of note have grabbed my attention these past few weeks and months and many of them have been very positive for the US as a whole. Although this has been a long time coming, I believe we (as US citizens) may have finally crossed over the barrier where individuals do not just consider the price of fuel on the day of their next new car purchase but are making smarter choices wrt what, when, where and how we drive as well as how we consume any number of other natural resources.
Let us go over a few examples …
California drivers are using less gasoline and driving more fuel efficient vehicles. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/in-the-news/t-california-drivers-are-using-less-gasoline-and-driving-more-fuel-efficient-vehicles-4227.html)
Here we have the fifth largest economy in the world (California by itself) and without recent shortages or a climatic event such as an earthquake, Californians have actually reduced their gasoline consumption by almost 1% last year. This is not as large a drop as one would hope but a drop nonetheless. This occurred as California HOV lane hybrid incentives disappeared and Hybrid tax credits for the Toyota hybrids were decreasing in dramatic fashion. Gasoline prices hovering in the $3.00 - $3.50 range throughout all of 2007 for the Golden State certainly helped, but the odds are good that this decrease in consumption will be repeated for the 2007 year as a whole as well.
California, victim of energy efficiency and peak demand? (http://energysavingnow.com/california/victim.shtml)
Electrical energy consumption is yet another area that California leads in some respects. The State has held an almost flat rate of growth on a per capita basis over the last 15 years. There has still been an increase in overall consumption given the population growth but far short of the average US State and/or citizen by comparison. I am cautiously optimistic that the rest of the country will follow their lead.
High gasoline prices turn routines on end. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/in-the-news/t-high-gasoline-prices-turn-routines-on-end-964.html)
Change can be harsh.
This story is the type that affects the working poor harshly but heroic actions as described may bring us back from the brink.
“Somewhere that balance starts to tip in a different direction,” Cade said. “But does it tip at three dollars a gallon or five dollars? I don't think it's three dollars a gallon.”
Some consumers feel more financial pain than others.
“It sort of depends on where you're beginning economically,” said Katia Shkurkin, an assistant sociology professor at Saint Martin's University. The less money you make, the more it hurts and the more you must adjust your life, she said.
“We have single mothers here (Saint Martin's) who are living on loans,” Shkurkin said. “They have day care costs to meet. They have to have a car. High gasoline prices are a major stressor.”
Shkurkin offered an academic term to explain why consumers overall have not shown outrage over gas prices.
“It's called ‘learned helplessness,' ” she said. “Most of us have difficulty changing any behavior unless it makes us very uncomfortable.”
There are signs that the rising prices are causing more people to adjust their habits.Although I do not believe I am in any way shape or form in a similar economic predicament as Margie Engle from the story, I have spent many a nights in the Accord rather then commute the huge distance back during outages and such only to turn around and do it all over again with < 8 hours rest. The reduction in GHG emissions is significant as well as being a good idea for my state of health and mind :)
“Notes from the road” and a reason for this diatribe.
Week of April 30th - May 6th, 2007 (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/the-daily-grind/t-week-of-april-30th-may-6th-2007-page10-4405.html)
I will create a new thread about some OTR experiences last night later on hopefully as my faith in humanity has been somewhat renewed.
Many here remember how traffic began to almost magically slow down after Hurricane’s Katrina and Rita as gasoline spiked above $3.00 per gallon for the first time. I mentioned something that happened the other day that I believe is finally catching on and when I see it, it not only places a smile on my face (for more reasons then one as many who no me will attest ;)), it is good for our country. Once diesel fuel begins to reach the $3.00 per area, many OTR (Over the Road) drivers are making less in wages then what they pay to fuel their trucks over a given hour, day, month or year. Once this begins to happen, even the most die-hard will begin looking for ways to save fuel beyond that of the normal “Set the cruise at 65 - 70 + and get outta my way” mentality all of us have seen in the past. I have mentioned previously seeing maybe 3 professional drivers a week at a maximum holding onto the speed limits and DWL. I share the road with approximately 20,000 truck drivers a week in my immediate vicinity while driving the Interstates of Chicago on a daily basis including plus or minus 1 mile to the front and back as well as those that pass by heading the other direction. Late Thursday evening I saw “7” drivers actually adhering to Chicago area Interstates 55 mph speed limits? Not only was this shocking to see, it was a blessing for all who care about our addictions including the peripheral damage we experience because of it.
Co-workers are changing habits.
I had a conversation with a co-worker whose wife drives a Lexus RX300 (EPA rated 19/23) about 3 weeks ago. For the first time, he mentioned his wife asking him about the RX’s fuel economy and how she has seen an improvement in recent weeks by simply changing habits. Summer E10 RFG and warmer temps helped her of course but this is an 03 RX and they have tracked the fuel economy in the past via its OEM aFCD. I asked Marty to thank her for me given anyone that shows concern is heading in the right direction. Although the following is not a cure-all for gasoline usage and the emissions from its use that we are responsible for, it was yet another step in the right direction. She was headed to relatives in Ohio last week and when she got there, she called Marty and told him she achieved 24 mpg. Never before had she seen such a high number but she set her cruise at 65 and enjoyed the ride. Again, not anything most here would be proud of but a baby step in the right direction for someone who had no cares previously. I have had discussions with Marty about his next automobile purchase and he is leaning towards a TCH or FEH. Yet another co-worker, Jesse who was featured in the “Ride of the Week” - Mar. 31, 2007” (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/in-the-news/t-ride-of-the-week-mar-31-2007-3997.html) thread a little over a month ago. He was spending over $250 per month on fuel alone let alone the repairs for his 97? Ford F-150 and this included car pooling! I spoke with him about the costs of ownership of a brand new Toyota Yaris including the fuel to drive back and forth to work being less then the price he was paying to drive the beat up Ford F-150 and the light bulb lit up brightly. It was not but a week later and his new Yaris showed up. I lost my car pooler but between the two of us, we are still using less fuel then car pooling and him driving the gas-guzzling pig V8 equipped Ford F-150 300 + miles per week, day in and day out. Another co-worker owns a Suburban. It has sat parked for over a month while he was driving in his V6 equipped Ranger at 1.5 times the FE. Just last week he parked it and is now driving his Motorcycle which receives yet another 1.5 times the FE of the Ranger. This is not a huge reduction in fossil fuel use by comparison to some of our efforts of course but going from a 15 mpg monster to a 30 + mpg motorcycle is yet another halving of consumption from someone with the means to truly “care less”. Yet another Prius II package 6 showed up in the work parking lot owned by one of the shift managers yesterday. We are speaking about someone who easily makes $160K + with a Prius II purchased for his own personal transportation. Although he may not have considered his carbon footprint during the purchase, there was a large reduction with the vehicle that he chose.
Our membership.
We not only helping ourselves but helping others including myself as we push each other just as I push most of you to reduce your consumption and lower your emissions all in one fell swoop. I know it is a small and almost imperceptible dent but reading the Daily Grind forums and seeing the results truly places a smile on my face daily and makes the 40 + hour weeks on CleanMPG worthwhile. Making a difference even at 1 gallon at a time is noteworthy. Think back to someone like Jered in his 05 Prius II named StarGazer (http://www.cleanmpg.com/index.php?page=garage&displayunits=MPG(US)&viewcar=248). Two years ago he was having a tough time touching 50 mpg given the short distance commutes and cold winter temps that his central Wisconsin locale offered. This year he is punching out 70 + mpg segments and 60 + mpg tanks at will. I would be remiss if I failed to mention Mparrish, JimboK and Skwyre7 in their Prius’, Billy, Randall, Chuck, Hawk GT, Lightfoot, Eric and Msirach in their Insight’s, Tarabell, Rhwinger and Ed in their HCH-II’s, DebbieKatz and Pravus Prime in their FEH’s as well as Larry, Bailout, ZeroFloat, Psy, PaleMelanesian, CoasterToaster and Bruce in their non-hybrids. The daily grind forum is my church and the results confirm my religion day after day. I am using the term religion for dramatic affect of course ;)
http://www.terrapass.com/images/bumpersticker.jpg
Yet another example from the following: I purchased CO2 offsets for the Accord … (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/environmental/t-i-purchased-co2-offsets-for-the-accord--4455.html) It was not long afterwards that I found out Brian (BailOut) and Justin (Citrus Insighter) had purchased the same. Bradlee and Marie Fons (Justin’s parents) will be purchasing their own Terrapass package next week in fact!
I posted a thread awhile ago regarding the Killawatt: Conservation tip: Measure your energy use. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/in-the-news/t-conservation-tip-measure-your-energy-use-3697.html) Low and behold, Brian (BailOut) used one of these devices and ran with it as described in his thread: Elecricity Audit: Lessons Learned. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/environmental/t-elecricity-audit-lessons-learned-4295.html) Yet another example of heading in the right direction.
As Tarabell proclaims in her sig, Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it. - Mahatma Gandhi.
US citizenry’s personal environmental initiatives.
Whether for better local air quality or to reduce or at least stem the tide of our ever increasing GHG emissions, there has been measurable progress in realization as well as some move towards actually doing something about it. Consider just one highlight of the past month coming from none other then EPA itself. With no fanfare and little publicity, the following results should be celebrated given the state we were in 30 years ago. Another grass roots effort is what brought these results about and that being none other then Earth Day conceived in 1972.
Air cleaner today than three decades ago.
Air Pollution Down, Air Quality Up. (http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/8822edaadaba0243852572a000656841/2eb2a7ea6c72f6ed852572cd005180b7!OpenDocument)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Earth_day.jpgJohn Millett - EPA - April 30, 2007
Washington, D.C. - An early look at air quality and emissions data for 2006 shows continued improvement in the nation's air quality over the long term, EPA reports. Emissions of six key pollutants have dropped by more than half since 1970 and the national average concentration for each criteria pollutant is below the level of its air quality standard.
"The data is in and the trends are good - our nation's air continues to improve because of the Bush Administration's innovative clean air policies," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By tackling tailpipes and smokestacks, EPA is clearing the air, and all Americans are breathing easier."
While emissions of six key "criteria" pollutants and the compounds that form them continue to decline, the United States has continued to grow and prosper. Total emissions of the six key pollutants dropped 54 percent between 1970 and 2006. During the same time period: the U.S. gross domestic product increased 203 percent, vehicle miles traveled increased 177 percent, energy consumption increased 49 percent, and U.S. population grew by 46 percent. In addition, emissions of air toxins in 2002 were 35 percent lower than 1990 levels.
Under the Clean Air Act, EPA sets national air quality standards for six key pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and lead. Each year, EPA examines the levels of these pollutants in the air and the emissions from various sources to see how both have changed over time and to summarize the current status of air quality. While national average concentrations of the six key pollutants are below national standards, results vary by site. Annual pollution levels at some monitoring sites do remain above one or more of the national air quality standards, with ozone and particulate matter remaining as the most persistent problems.
April 30-May 4 is Air Quality Awareness Week. This year's theme is "Keep an Eye on the AQI," to remind Americans to check daily air quality forecasts to help plan their activities. The forecasts are especially useful for people with asthma, heart disease and people who are active outdoors … http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/8822edaadaba0243852572a000656841/2eb2a7ea6c72f6ed852572cd005180b7!OpenDocument
|Millions of Tons|
Target Pollutant|1970|2006
CO|197|88|18
NOx|27|2
PM10|12|14
SO2|31|15
VOC|34|15
Lead|.221|.002
Present and future automobiles.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_Scion_xB.jpg2008 Scion xB.
Besides the current crop of high fuel economy hybrids including the Prius II, HCH-II, TCH and FEH, the Yaris, Corolla and Fit are also “best in class” fuel misers with their own reduction in both SMOG forming and GHG carbon emissions which helps as they replace older, far less efficient and dirtier automobiles.
What really surprised me however was a minor attribute that will surely be overlooked by the mainstream press but is a standard feature in the just released 2008 Scion xB. The 2008 Scion xB is not in the fuel miser category or the prettiest vehicle available by any stretch but it includes a unique gauge cluster package very few automobiles posses today and one many including myself have been pressing the auto manufacturers to include for quite some time.
A series of sleek circular gauges, including a multi-information display, are centered on the dash. The multi-information display allows drivers to toggle through the clock, outside temperature, instantaneous MPG, average MPG, distance to empty, or the average speed. Upon starting the engine, "xB" flashes on the multi-information display before information is shown. The deep orange display gauges allow for better visibility day and night.
Most have heard rumors regarding the Prius III’s late 08 release including the ability to do everything but cook our meals. We have surely set the bar a little high given what Toyota has given us in the past but let us not overlook the other major players. Honda is rumored to bring over there own well received and extremely fuel efficient European based 2.2L iCDTi diesel in a Civic or Accord with a new 50-state emissions control package. VW TDI’s are scheduled for an 08 re-release with more performance, higher FE and 50-state emissions capability as well. Ford/Mazda has promised to bring over or build a new B-Class sized Sub which could include the Mazda2 or the current European Ford Fiesta with its European heritage intact. The “Holy Grail” however is the just out of reach PHEV. Think of the Chevrolet “Volt”, Saturn Vue 2Mode, or Prius III PHEV’s. They may not be in the showrooms this year or next but they will eventually arrive and when they do, a cry will be heard throughout the land declaring victory over our ever present addiction and the huge price we pay for such.
Let us take pause to celebrate the positive achievements as we head into a somewhat uncertain future all the while continuing to work together on the negatives so that someday our children and grand children will look back and be proud of our generation’s accomplishments. We are responsible for our actions and with that, we have the ability to change the road we build ahead while moving toward our own more sustainable future. I just hope and pray we build that road in the proper direction and in a timely enough fashion so that we do not end up driving off a cliff ;)
Good Luck to us all.
Wayne
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/American_Wind_Turbine.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) - May 5, 2007
A few items of note have grabbed my attention these past few weeks and months and many of them have been very positive for the US as a whole. Although this has been a long time coming, I believe we (as US citizens) may have finally crossed over the barrier where individuals do not just consider the price of fuel on the day of their next new car purchase but are making smarter choices wrt what, when, where and how we drive as well as how we consume any number of other natural resources.
Let us go over a few examples …
California drivers are using less gasoline and driving more fuel efficient vehicles. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/in-the-news/t-california-drivers-are-using-less-gasoline-and-driving-more-fuel-efficient-vehicles-4227.html)
Here we have the fifth largest economy in the world (California by itself) and without recent shortages or a climatic event such as an earthquake, Californians have actually reduced their gasoline consumption by almost 1% last year. This is not as large a drop as one would hope but a drop nonetheless. This occurred as California HOV lane hybrid incentives disappeared and Hybrid tax credits for the Toyota hybrids were decreasing in dramatic fashion. Gasoline prices hovering in the $3.00 - $3.50 range throughout all of 2007 for the Golden State certainly helped, but the odds are good that this decrease in consumption will be repeated for the 2007 year as a whole as well.
California, victim of energy efficiency and peak demand? (http://energysavingnow.com/california/victim.shtml)
Electrical energy consumption is yet another area that California leads in some respects. The State has held an almost flat rate of growth on a per capita basis over the last 15 years. There has still been an increase in overall consumption given the population growth but far short of the average US State and/or citizen by comparison. I am cautiously optimistic that the rest of the country will follow their lead.
High gasoline prices turn routines on end. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/in-the-news/t-high-gasoline-prices-turn-routines-on-end-964.html)
Change can be harsh.
This story is the type that affects the working poor harshly but heroic actions as described may bring us back from the brink.
“Somewhere that balance starts to tip in a different direction,” Cade said. “But does it tip at three dollars a gallon or five dollars? I don't think it's three dollars a gallon.”
Some consumers feel more financial pain than others.
“It sort of depends on where you're beginning economically,” said Katia Shkurkin, an assistant sociology professor at Saint Martin's University. The less money you make, the more it hurts and the more you must adjust your life, she said.
“We have single mothers here (Saint Martin's) who are living on loans,” Shkurkin said. “They have day care costs to meet. They have to have a car. High gasoline prices are a major stressor.”
Shkurkin offered an academic term to explain why consumers overall have not shown outrage over gas prices.
“It's called ‘learned helplessness,' ” she said. “Most of us have difficulty changing any behavior unless it makes us very uncomfortable.”
There are signs that the rising prices are causing more people to adjust their habits.Although I do not believe I am in any way shape or form in a similar economic predicament as Margie Engle from the story, I have spent many a nights in the Accord rather then commute the huge distance back during outages and such only to turn around and do it all over again with < 8 hours rest. The reduction in GHG emissions is significant as well as being a good idea for my state of health and mind :)
“Notes from the road” and a reason for this diatribe.
Week of April 30th - May 6th, 2007 (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/the-daily-grind/t-week-of-april-30th-may-6th-2007-page10-4405.html)
I will create a new thread about some OTR experiences last night later on hopefully as my faith in humanity has been somewhat renewed.
Many here remember how traffic began to almost magically slow down after Hurricane’s Katrina and Rita as gasoline spiked above $3.00 per gallon for the first time. I mentioned something that happened the other day that I believe is finally catching on and when I see it, it not only places a smile on my face (for more reasons then one as many who no me will attest ;)), it is good for our country. Once diesel fuel begins to reach the $3.00 per area, many OTR (Over the Road) drivers are making less in wages then what they pay to fuel their trucks over a given hour, day, month or year. Once this begins to happen, even the most die-hard will begin looking for ways to save fuel beyond that of the normal “Set the cruise at 65 - 70 + and get outta my way” mentality all of us have seen in the past. I have mentioned previously seeing maybe 3 professional drivers a week at a maximum holding onto the speed limits and DWL. I share the road with approximately 20,000 truck drivers a week in my immediate vicinity while driving the Interstates of Chicago on a daily basis including plus or minus 1 mile to the front and back as well as those that pass by heading the other direction. Late Thursday evening I saw “7” drivers actually adhering to Chicago area Interstates 55 mph speed limits? Not only was this shocking to see, it was a blessing for all who care about our addictions including the peripheral damage we experience because of it.
Co-workers are changing habits.
I had a conversation with a co-worker whose wife drives a Lexus RX300 (EPA rated 19/23) about 3 weeks ago. For the first time, he mentioned his wife asking him about the RX’s fuel economy and how she has seen an improvement in recent weeks by simply changing habits. Summer E10 RFG and warmer temps helped her of course but this is an 03 RX and they have tracked the fuel economy in the past via its OEM aFCD. I asked Marty to thank her for me given anyone that shows concern is heading in the right direction. Although the following is not a cure-all for gasoline usage and the emissions from its use that we are responsible for, it was yet another step in the right direction. She was headed to relatives in Ohio last week and when she got there, she called Marty and told him she achieved 24 mpg. Never before had she seen such a high number but she set her cruise at 65 and enjoyed the ride. Again, not anything most here would be proud of but a baby step in the right direction for someone who had no cares previously. I have had discussions with Marty about his next automobile purchase and he is leaning towards a TCH or FEH. Yet another co-worker, Jesse who was featured in the “Ride of the Week” - Mar. 31, 2007” (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/in-the-news/t-ride-of-the-week-mar-31-2007-3997.html) thread a little over a month ago. He was spending over $250 per month on fuel alone let alone the repairs for his 97? Ford F-150 and this included car pooling! I spoke with him about the costs of ownership of a brand new Toyota Yaris including the fuel to drive back and forth to work being less then the price he was paying to drive the beat up Ford F-150 and the light bulb lit up brightly. It was not but a week later and his new Yaris showed up. I lost my car pooler but between the two of us, we are still using less fuel then car pooling and him driving the gas-guzzling pig V8 equipped Ford F-150 300 + miles per week, day in and day out. Another co-worker owns a Suburban. It has sat parked for over a month while he was driving in his V6 equipped Ranger at 1.5 times the FE. Just last week he parked it and is now driving his Motorcycle which receives yet another 1.5 times the FE of the Ranger. This is not a huge reduction in fossil fuel use by comparison to some of our efforts of course but going from a 15 mpg monster to a 30 + mpg motorcycle is yet another halving of consumption from someone with the means to truly “care less”. Yet another Prius II package 6 showed up in the work parking lot owned by one of the shift managers yesterday. We are speaking about someone who easily makes $160K + with a Prius II purchased for his own personal transportation. Although he may not have considered his carbon footprint during the purchase, there was a large reduction with the vehicle that he chose.
Our membership.
We not only helping ourselves but helping others including myself as we push each other just as I push most of you to reduce your consumption and lower your emissions all in one fell swoop. I know it is a small and almost imperceptible dent but reading the Daily Grind forums and seeing the results truly places a smile on my face daily and makes the 40 + hour weeks on CleanMPG worthwhile. Making a difference even at 1 gallon at a time is noteworthy. Think back to someone like Jered in his 05 Prius II named StarGazer (http://www.cleanmpg.com/index.php?page=garage&displayunits=MPG(US)&viewcar=248). Two years ago he was having a tough time touching 50 mpg given the short distance commutes and cold winter temps that his central Wisconsin locale offered. This year he is punching out 70 + mpg segments and 60 + mpg tanks at will. I would be remiss if I failed to mention Mparrish, JimboK and Skwyre7 in their Prius’, Billy, Randall, Chuck, Hawk GT, Lightfoot, Eric and Msirach in their Insight’s, Tarabell, Rhwinger and Ed in their HCH-II’s, DebbieKatz and Pravus Prime in their FEH’s as well as Larry, Bailout, ZeroFloat, Psy, PaleMelanesian, CoasterToaster and Bruce in their non-hybrids. The daily grind forum is my church and the results confirm my religion day after day. I am using the term religion for dramatic affect of course ;)
http://www.terrapass.com/images/bumpersticker.jpg
Yet another example from the following: I purchased CO2 offsets for the Accord … (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/environmental/t-i-purchased-co2-offsets-for-the-accord--4455.html) It was not long afterwards that I found out Brian (BailOut) and Justin (Citrus Insighter) had purchased the same. Bradlee and Marie Fons (Justin’s parents) will be purchasing their own Terrapass package next week in fact!
I posted a thread awhile ago regarding the Killawatt: Conservation tip: Measure your energy use. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/in-the-news/t-conservation-tip-measure-your-energy-use-3697.html) Low and behold, Brian (BailOut) used one of these devices and ran with it as described in his thread: Elecricity Audit: Lessons Learned. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/environmental/t-elecricity-audit-lessons-learned-4295.html) Yet another example of heading in the right direction.
As Tarabell proclaims in her sig, Whatever you do will be insignificant, but it is very important that you do it. - Mahatma Gandhi.
US citizenry’s personal environmental initiatives.
Whether for better local air quality or to reduce or at least stem the tide of our ever increasing GHG emissions, there has been measurable progress in realization as well as some move towards actually doing something about it. Consider just one highlight of the past month coming from none other then EPA itself. With no fanfare and little publicity, the following results should be celebrated given the state we were in 30 years ago. Another grass roots effort is what brought these results about and that being none other then Earth Day conceived in 1972.
Air cleaner today than three decades ago.
Air Pollution Down, Air Quality Up. (http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/8822edaadaba0243852572a000656841/2eb2a7ea6c72f6ed852572cd005180b7!OpenDocument)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Earth_day.jpgJohn Millett - EPA - April 30, 2007
Washington, D.C. - An early look at air quality and emissions data for 2006 shows continued improvement in the nation's air quality over the long term, EPA reports. Emissions of six key pollutants have dropped by more than half since 1970 and the national average concentration for each criteria pollutant is below the level of its air quality standard.
"The data is in and the trends are good - our nation's air continues to improve because of the Bush Administration's innovative clean air policies," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By tackling tailpipes and smokestacks, EPA is clearing the air, and all Americans are breathing easier."
While emissions of six key "criteria" pollutants and the compounds that form them continue to decline, the United States has continued to grow and prosper. Total emissions of the six key pollutants dropped 54 percent between 1970 and 2006. During the same time period: the U.S. gross domestic product increased 203 percent, vehicle miles traveled increased 177 percent, energy consumption increased 49 percent, and U.S. population grew by 46 percent. In addition, emissions of air toxins in 2002 were 35 percent lower than 1990 levels.
Under the Clean Air Act, EPA sets national air quality standards for six key pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, ozone, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter and lead. Each year, EPA examines the levels of these pollutants in the air and the emissions from various sources to see how both have changed over time and to summarize the current status of air quality. While national average concentrations of the six key pollutants are below national standards, results vary by site. Annual pollution levels at some monitoring sites do remain above one or more of the national air quality standards, with ozone and particulate matter remaining as the most persistent problems.
April 30-May 4 is Air Quality Awareness Week. This year's theme is "Keep an Eye on the AQI," to remind Americans to check daily air quality forecasts to help plan their activities. The forecasts are especially useful for people with asthma, heart disease and people who are active outdoors … http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/8822edaadaba0243852572a000656841/2eb2a7ea6c72f6ed852572cd005180b7!OpenDocument
|Millions of Tons|
Target Pollutant|1970|2006
CO|197|88|18
NOx|27|2
PM10|12|14
SO2|31|15
VOC|34|15
Lead|.221|.002
Present and future automobiles.
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_Scion_xB.jpg2008 Scion xB.
Besides the current crop of high fuel economy hybrids including the Prius II, HCH-II, TCH and FEH, the Yaris, Corolla and Fit are also “best in class” fuel misers with their own reduction in both SMOG forming and GHG carbon emissions which helps as they replace older, far less efficient and dirtier automobiles.
What really surprised me however was a minor attribute that will surely be overlooked by the mainstream press but is a standard feature in the just released 2008 Scion xB. The 2008 Scion xB is not in the fuel miser category or the prettiest vehicle available by any stretch but it includes a unique gauge cluster package very few automobiles posses today and one many including myself have been pressing the auto manufacturers to include for quite some time.
A series of sleek circular gauges, including a multi-information display, are centered on the dash. The multi-information display allows drivers to toggle through the clock, outside temperature, instantaneous MPG, average MPG, distance to empty, or the average speed. Upon starting the engine, "xB" flashes on the multi-information display before information is shown. The deep orange display gauges allow for better visibility day and night.
Most have heard rumors regarding the Prius III’s late 08 release including the ability to do everything but cook our meals. We have surely set the bar a little high given what Toyota has given us in the past but let us not overlook the other major players. Honda is rumored to bring over there own well received and extremely fuel efficient European based 2.2L iCDTi diesel in a Civic or Accord with a new 50-state emissions control package. VW TDI’s are scheduled for an 08 re-release with more performance, higher FE and 50-state emissions capability as well. Ford/Mazda has promised to bring over or build a new B-Class sized Sub which could include the Mazda2 or the current European Ford Fiesta with its European heritage intact. The “Holy Grail” however is the just out of reach PHEV. Think of the Chevrolet “Volt”, Saturn Vue 2Mode, or Prius III PHEV’s. They may not be in the showrooms this year or next but they will eventually arrive and when they do, a cry will be heard throughout the land declaring victory over our ever present addiction and the huge price we pay for such.
Let us take pause to celebrate the positive achievements as we head into a somewhat uncertain future all the while continuing to work together on the negatives so that someday our children and grand children will look back and be proud of our generation’s accomplishments. We are responsible for our actions and with that, we have the ability to change the road we build ahead while moving toward our own more sustainable future. I just hope and pray we build that road in the proper direction and in a timely enough fashion so that we do not end up driving off a cliff ;)
Good Luck to us all.
Wayne