Jalopnik: air pollution

Minnesota Bridge Structures Actually Remove Air Pollution

Andrew Stoy — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Driving across the recently rebuilt I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, one may notice what appear to be fluid-looking sculptures rising up from the concrete center median. In fact, the structures — shaped like the international symbol for "river" — are pollution-control devices, cast from concrete that actually catalyzes oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide using the UV rays from sunlight. The pillars work in a fashion similar to the automotive catalytic converter, but at a much lower temperature. Made from photocatalytic concrete produced by Cemstone, the material has the added benefits of remaining bright white thanks to the catalytic process, and converting pollutants into salt — good for keeping snow and ice melted off the bridge during the 11-month Minneapolis winter. [KSTP via PopMech]

New EPA Ruling Means Lawnmowers, Boat Engines Likely To Get Catalytic Converters

Andrew Stoy — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:40:00 EDT

The Detroit News reports on a major emissions-limiting ruling by the EPA Thursday that will affect recreational boats and outdoor power equipment with engines smaller than 25 HP. Small engines, such as those found on boats and lawnmowers, are essentially unregulated, making up as much as 25% of current yearly US CO emissions. The new ruling will require a significant reduction in that output, likely necessitating the use of catalytic converters and other pollution control devices. Boat engines will have to meet the new standards starting in 2010, while your lawnmower won't come with an air pump, EGR valve and catalyst until 2011. Hopefully it'll run right on E10 gasoline by then too.

Jalopnik Snap Judgment: If you didn't know this was coming, you haven't been paying attention. With the recent focus on global warming and the minor, incremental advances that are left to be made on automobile engines, outdoor power equipment was the next target in sight. So, are we entering the malaise era of the lawnmower? Will our Briggs L-head motors drop from 5 HP to 2.5 HP, saddled with a 5:1 compression ratio and heaps of belt-driven emissions accessories? Probably not. OHV engines have already begun to take over, and they'll likely replace old mower technology, hopefully meeting the new standards with few additions. Boat engines have already gotten pretty high-tech, so it'll likely be even easier for them to pass. The only difference you're likely to see is higher prices. And you're used to that already, right?
UPDATED: More information now available at epa.gov. [Detroit News]

Beijing Olympic Restrictions Stomp On Local Auto Industry

Andrew Stoy — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:40:00 EDT

Chinese restrictions on truck traffic and chemical transport during the 2008 Olympics and Paralympics are forcing plant cutbacks among local automakers, reports Automotive News China. The restrictions have forced Beijing Hyundai and supplier Visteon, among other automotive factories, to reduce shifts and temporarily close factories, putting the kibosh on any Great Leaps Forward, at least during the games.

So why the restrictions? Security is ostensibly one goal, but mainly it's to improve Beijing's appalling local air quality, at least until the world stops paying attention again. Beijing Hyundai, for one, doesn't expect the difficulties to affect yearly output; spokespeople claim the company prepared in advance by arranging rail transport for new vehicles and ramping up output earlier in the year to ensure a steady supply of vehicles during the games. In the meantime, locals can rely on Mini rickshaws for their transportation needs. [Automotive News China, Sub. Req.; Photo Credit: AnandTech.com]