Sustainable Bioenergy, Farms, and Forests - October 6, 2017

EESI Comments on Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards

On October 5, EESI submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on their midterm evaluation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for light-duty vehicles. These standards seek to gradually improve the average fuel efficiency of cars and light trucks that are manufactured in the United States. The midterm evaluation (2022 - 2025) was previously finalized under the Obama administration. In March, the Trump administration announced it would be reconsidering whether the standards "are appropriate under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act," signaling the administration's interest in potentially weakening the standards.

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Fact Sheet: Biogas—Converting Waste to Energy

The United States produces more than 70 million tons of organic waste each year. While source reduction and feeding the hungry are necessary priorities for reducing needless food waste, organic wastes are numerous and extend to non-edible sources, including livestock manure, agriculture wastes, waste water, and inedible food wastes. When these wastes are improperly managed, they pose a significant risk to the environment and public health. Pathogens, chemicals, antibiotics, and nutrients present in wastes can contaminate surface and ground waters through runoff or by leaching into soils. Excess nutrients cause algal blooms, harm wildlife, and infect drinking water. Drinking water with high levels of nitrates is linked to hyperthyroidism and blue-baby syndrome. Municipal water utilities treat drinking water to remove nitrates, but it is costly to do so.

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Headlines:

1. EPA Opens Comment Period on Proposal to Reduce 2018, 2019 RVOs

2  Grassley, Ernst to Meet With Pruitt on Ethanol

3. G.M. and Ford Lay Out Plans to Expand Electric Models

4. Methane Emissions From Cattle Are 11% Higher Than Estimated

5. Miles of Algae Covering Lake Erie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Contact the Editor: Jessie Stolark at [email protected]

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