[Source: How Stuff Works/Patrick J. Kiger] Since 70 percent of the global demand for energy is met by burning fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, it’s not surprising that we’re pumping enormous amounts of climate-warming carbon dioxide into the atmosphere — an astonishing 35.8 billion tons (32.5 billion metric tons) in 2017, according Read More…
Newsroom
Trump administration moves on two fronts to challenge California environmental protections
[Source: Los Angeles Times] The Trump administration openly threatened one of the cornerstones of California’s environmental protections Monday, saying that it may revoke the state’s ability under the Clean Air Act to impose stricter standards than the federal government sets for vehicle emissions. The announcement came as the administration confirmed it is tearing up landmark Read More…
Stunning drops in solar, wind costs mean economic case for coal, gas is ‘crumbling’
[Source: Think Progress] Prices for solar, wind, and battery storage are dropping so rapidly that renewables are increasingly squeezing out all forms of fossil fuel power, including natural gas. The cost of new solar plants dropped 20 percent over the past 12 months, while onshore wind prices dropped 12 percent, according to the latest Bloomberg Read More…
Paramount refinery sold as part of $72 million deal
[Source: Los Angeles Business Journal] A renewable diesel and jet fuel refinery in Paramount has been sold to Boston-based biofuel producer World Energy as part of a deal reportedly worth $72 million. The Paramount refinery was the core asset of renewable jet and diesel producer AltAir Paramount LLC, which also owned an adjacent tank farm. Read More…
Opinion: The ‘secret science’ that distorts air-quality studies
[Source: Orange County Register] See if you can spot the flaw in this logic: Disease-causing bacteria can be spread by hand contact. Boiling water kills bacteria. Plunge your hands into boiling water several times a day to prevent disease. If you can see the flaw in the logic, you have better eyesight than a lot Read More…
Duration of written meal period waivers depends on your needs
[Source: CalChamber] We have employees working 6-hour shifts who want to waive their meal period and employees who want to waive their second meal period after 10 hours. How often do we have to renew the written waiver? Pursuant to the California Labor Code, both the 6- and 10-hour waiver allow an employer and employee Read More…
Danish study finds plastic bags have lowest environmental impact
[Source: Plastics Today] When you take into account the science as well as the manufacturing processes involved, plastics tend to have a lower overall impact on the environment than other materials. That is what the Danish Environmental Protection Agency discovered and published in a study that analyzes the environmental impact of the production, use and Read More…
Shaking down manufacturers doesn’t help climate change fight
[Source: The Sacramento Bee] California manufacturers are big players in the state’s efforts to address climate change. The largest companies are regulated through a program that will greatly reduce emissions and grow the economy at the same time. The result will be a win-win for jobs and the environment. Unfortunately, trial attorneys and a handful Read More…
City Council to weigh environmental impacts of Port of Long Beach’s rail expansion project
[Source: Press-Telegram] City Council Chambers will soon be center stage for a David-and-Goliath battle – between a loose coalition of small businesses and Long Beach’s economic powerhouse. A study on how a proposed rail yard expansion by the Port of Long Beach will affect the environment will go before the City Council on Tuesday – Read More…