Update

A federal appeals court reversed itself on Dec 23, 2008 and temporarily reinstated the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). In July, the court struck down the rule, saying the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had exceeded its authority in devising a new emissions-trading system to reduce coal-fired power plant pollution, and must rewrite the rule to fix its “fundamental flaws.”

In the most recent decision, the court said that having a flawed rule temporarily in place was better than having no rule at all. The agency must still revise the rule but has no deadline for doing so.

• Text of the Decision. (pdf, 4pp., 26kB)
• Court reinstates CAIR, sends it back to EPA. Power Engineering, December 23,2008

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has adopted the Scoping Plan for California’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). Development of the plan is a central requirement of AB 32, which has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15% over the next 12 years. ARB will now begin developing detailed strategies to implement the recommended measures that must be in place by 2012.

AB 32 Scoping Plan

Pasadena Water & Power (PWP) is developing a 20-year Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to ensure reliable and environmentally responsible electric service, competitive rates, and energy independence to the residents of Pasadena, CA. The process is taking into account:

• Future energy demand;
• Advances in renewable energy resources, technology, and energy efficiency;
• Conservation; and
• Forecasts of changes in regulatory requirements.

The information available at their Web site offers a detailed look into issues facing electric generation everywhere, and might be of interest to those curious about the challenges ahead for power generation.

Pasadena Water & Power Integrated Resource Plan

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has posted a source test protocol for Rule 1110.2. On February 01, 2008, SCAQMD amended Rule 1110.2, which limits emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and carbon monoxide (CO) from gaseous and liquid-fueled stationary and portable engines with rated capacities greater than 50 brake horsepower.

Compliance with this rule is based on SCAQMD standard test methods, or test methods that allow the use of hand-held portable monitors. The protocol has been developed to ensure standardization of test procedures, and includes specifications for test conditions, test methods, test equipment, data collection/reporting, and quality assurance procedures.

Source Test Protocol for the Measurement of Nitrogen Oxides, Volatile Organic Compounds, Carbon Monoxide, and Oxygen from Stationary Engines Subject to South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1110.2. November 21, 2008 (pdf, 34pp., 106kB)

For more information, see SCAQMD Rule 1110.2 Support