California regulators have issued a proposal focused at lowering particulate matter emissions for new trucks built beginning in 2024, but federal regulators are still working to craft a separate nationwide low-NOx and PM proposal scheduled to take effect in 2027. Additionally, California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency staff hope to synchronize their regulations.

FRANKLIN, Mass., Oct. 9, 2019 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — RYPOS, Inc., developer, and manufacturer of advanced, exhaust filtration systems is pleased to announce the successful completion of the application engineering effort to fit their standard Ultra Low Emission Transport Refrigeration Unit Filter system to the CarrierX4 and Thermoking C650 series refrigeration units. These models use a less than 25 horsepower engine that has a seven-year emission compliance life in California. The application of the Rypos filter will extend their compliance to the end of life.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) participates on the U.S. delegation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is part of the United Nations. The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) is a group of member states within IMO that works on maritime safety and security and the prevention of marine pollution. The resulting global standards are embodied in the International Convention on the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, a treaty called "MARPOL." In particular, MARPOL Annex VI defines engine and vessel requirements related to air pollution.

Legislation that aims to facilitate emissions reduction from diesel engines was easily approved April 10 by the committee that oversees surface transportation policy in the U.S. Senate.

Sponsored by Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) of 2019 would reauthorize the program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through 2024 to assist firms with rebuilding or retrofitting diesel engines. The objective is for those updated engines to be able to comply with pollution standards.

The Environment and Public Works panel advanced the measure to the floor of the Senate by voice vote. Carper, the panel’s ranking Democrat, had initially authored the bill more than a decade ago with former Ohio Sen. George Voinovich (R).

“Year after year, DERA has cost-effectively reduced air pollution and fueled American job creation,” Carper said in a statement soon after the vote. “Boasting $13 of health and economic benefits for every $1 of federal investment, it’s no wonder that DERA enjoys such broad, bipartisan support.”

RYPOS, Inc., developer and manufacturer of advanced, exhaust filtration systems that reduce harmful emissions from diesel engines, and Stanford Medicine, a leader in pioneering research, creative teaching protocols and effective clinical therapies, are pleased to announce the first installation and approval of an OSP special seismic certification pre-approved diesel particulate filter for the new emergency power station at New Stanford Hospital medical center.

In a recent article in the industry journal, Workboat, Kirk Moore reports on a recent announcement by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on the beginning of the process of modifying the state’s existing Commercial Harbor Craft Rule.

"Now in its implementation phase, the rule makes California the only state in the U.S. that requires most vessels with older engines — pre-dating the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency diesel emissions standards, or just meeting Tier 1 standards — to be repowered with newer Tier 2 or Tier 3 engines before the end of their economic lives."

According to CARB's notice of rulemaking intent, the CARB staff contends commercial vessel operations in state waters “will continue to contribute a significant amount of diesel particulate matter risk after full implementation of the current regulation in 2023,”

This notice starts a fact-finding process which includes seeking input from the maritime industry and other stakeholders. CARB is proposing to complete that and have a rule proposal ready to present to board members in 2020. These efforts would bring more stringent requirements for tugboats and other freight-related vessels, and for passenger vessels including ferries and excursion boats. The CARB staff will also look at the feasibility of retrofitting existing vessels with Tier 4 propulsion, advanced emission control devices, hybrid power and alternative fuels.

A senator key to infrastructure and trucking policy negotiations on Capitol Hill has proposed modernizing the country’s transportation grid via green-centric initiatives.

Through a so-called green infrastructure package, Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey (D), a member of the trucking and surface transportation panels, is calling on colleagues to reduce energy consumption, incorporate climate change science into transportation projects and expand the affordability and availability of electric and energy-efficient vehicles.

The senator also proposes investments in new energy-efficient schools, improvements in drinking water and reducing emissions at airports, ports and waterways.

Any deal on an infrastructure package must include measures to promote our clean-energy economy and mitigate the dangers posed by climate change.