DIESEL SOLUTIONS / PORTS * PNW ports expand program to lower diesel emissions http://www.joc.com/articles/news.asp?section=ocean&sid=47695 <http://www.joc.com/articles/news.asp?section=ocean&sid=47695> The ports of Seattle and Tacoma, and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency announced they have approved a total of $318,000 in additional funding for a program to lower diesel emissions of port cargo-handling equipment. The additional money comes on top of $850,000 from the federal Environmental Protection Agency for this initiative. This funding supports the retrofit or replacement of 38 off-highway trucks, cranes and forklifts at the Port of Seattle, or approximately 10 percent of its fleet. At the Port of Tacoma, 50 to 60 terminal tractors, cranes, off-highway trucks and general industrial equipment will be retrofitted. That's about 14 percent of its fleet. * Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Awarded $850,000 for Diesel Emissions Reduction Project http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/B917A3D83E04E7928525754B006FB 84B <http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0/B917A3D83E04E7928525754B006F B84B> According to EPA's Pirzadeh, the project will mean better air quality in neighboring communities and is a sound investment in public health.... Dennis McLerran, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, agrees. "The more we learn about diesel pollution and its detrimental impacts on our health and environment, the more critical it becomes to support projects like this," he said. "This project demonstrates how the commitment of public and private partners, from the federal, state and local levels, joining together on solutions can make a real difference for air quality in and around our port communities." * Ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and PSCAA match EPA Grant with over $300,000 http://www.portseattle.org/news/press/2009/01_27_2009_01.shtml <http://www.portseattle.org/news/press/2009/01_27_2009_01.shtml> "Reducing pollution from diesel engines working in our communities is one of the highest priorities for our agency. Public health experts have recently concluded that people live longer lives when their exposure to fine particles (soot) is reduced," said Dennis McLerran, Executive Director of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. * Ports of Seattle, Tacoma, and PSCAA match EPA Grant with over $300,000 http://www.portoftacoma.com/Page.aspx?cid=3207 <http://www.portoftacoma.com/Page.aspx?cid=3207> Funds will add extra horsepower to PSCAA's Puget Sound Ports Cargo-Handling Equipment Replacement and Retrofit Program. "These funds will help build on the collaborative efforts under way by both ports, our customers and the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to make our region a cleaner, safer place to live and work," said Port of Tacoma Commission President Clare Petrich. * Grant to help reduce emissions from port equipment http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/business/2009/01/27/grant_to_help_reduce _emissions_from_port <http://blogs.thenewstribune.com/business/2009/01/27/grant_to_help_reduc e_emissions_from_port> CLIMATE * Oregon and Washington Move Forward with Cap-and-Trade http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kplu/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTI CLE_ID=1462969&sectionID=1 <http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kplu/news.newsmain?action=article&ART ICLE_ID=1462969&sectionID=1> Neither the recession nor the election of President Obama is deterring majority Democrats in Salem and Olympia when it comes to global warming regulation. The West Coast states are pressing ahead with a regional cap-and-trade program to control pollution that contributes to climate change. VEHICLE CHOICES * Local company develops 60+ mpg vehicle http://www.komonews.com/news/local/38509004.html <http://www.komonews.com/news/local/38509004.html> It's called the EMC3 - Eco-Motor Company 3-wheeler. It's officially classified as a trike, built with the side-by-side seating, comfort and safety of a car. GREEN JOBS * State Dems unveil green jobs proposal http://www.komonews.com/news/local/38507814.html <http://www.komonews.com/news/local/38507814.html> Majority Democrats in the state Senate unveiled a package of proposed laws on Tuesday that they say will boost the state's energy efficiency while creating thousands of "green jobs."... The plan, which Senate Democratic leaders are calling "Clean Energy, Green Jobs," would direct an estimated $180 million from the anticipated federal stimulus package, as well as money from the state's construction budget, to "green" building projects. NOTE: If the hyperlink to the article fails, contact Consuelo Davis. Bill Smith Senior Environmental Specialist City of Tacoma Solid Waste Management 3510 S. Mullen Street Tacoma, WA 98409 253-593-7719 Phone 253-591-5547 Fax