Green Energy
California residents, sorry. Your state has finally really flipped it's lid.
from Autoblog h/t Patriot Room
California to reduce carbon emissions by... banning black cars?!
by Jeremy Korzeniewski
In a move that will likely get California's consumers in a huff, impending legislation may soon restrict the paint color options for Golden State residents looking for their next new vehicle. The specific colors that are currently on the chopping block are all dark hues, with the worst offender seemingly the most innocuous color you could think of: Black. What could California possibly have against these colors, you ask? Apparently, the California Air Resources Board figures that the climate control systems of dark colored cars need to work harder than their lighter siblings – especially after sitting in the sun for a few hours. Anyone living in a hot, sunny climate will tell you that this assumption is accurate, of course. In fact, legislation already exists for buildings that has proven successful at reducing the energy consumption of skyscrapers.
So, what's the crux of the problem... can't paint suppliers just come up with new, less heat-absorbent dark paints? According to Ward's, suppliers have reportedly been testing their pigments and processes to see if it's possible to meet CARB's proposed mandate of 20% solar reflectivity by 2016 with a phase-in period starting in 2012, and things aren't looking good. Apparently, when the proper pigments and chemicals are added to black paint, the resulting color is currently being referred to as "mud-puddle brown." That doesn't sound very attractive, now does it? Windshields, backlights and sunroofs are also slated to get reflective coatings starting in 2012.
When we first heard of this issue, an internal debate immediately began as to whether this might be an elaborate early April Fool's joke, but it isn't. Read through CARB's complete Cool Cars Standards and Test Procedures here (PDF link) for more.
Thanks for the tip, Joaquin!
[Source: CARB (PDF link); Wards Photo: 7mary3]
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Green Energy
What the . . .?
California residents, sorry. Your state has finally really flipped it's lid.
from Autoblog h/t Patriot Room
California to reduce carbon emissions by... banning black cars?!
by Jeremy Korzeniewski
In a move that will likely get California's consumers in a huff, impending legislation may soon restrict the paint color options for Golden State residents looking for their next new vehicle. The specific colors that are currently on the chopping block are all dark hues, with the worst offender seemingly the most innocuous color you could think of: Black. What could California possibly have against these colors, you ask? Apparently, the California Air Resources Board figures that the climate control systems of dark colored cars need to work harder than their lighter siblings – especially after sitting in the sun for a few hours. Anyone living in a hot, sunny climate will tell you that this assumption is accurate, of course. In fact, legislation already exists for buildings that has proven successful at reducing the energy consumption of skyscrapers.
So, what's the crux of the problem... can't paint suppliers just come up with new, less heat-absorbent dark paints? According to Ward's, suppliers have reportedly been testing their pigments and processes to see if it's possible to meet CARB's proposed mandate of 20% solar reflectivity by 2016 with a phase-in period starting in 2012, and things aren't looking good. Apparently, when the proper pigments and chemicals are added to black paint, the resulting color is currently being referred to as "mud-puddle brown." That doesn't sound very attractive, now does it? Windshields, backlights and sunroofs are also slated to get reflective coatings starting in 2012.
When we first heard of this issue, an internal debate immediately began as to whether this might be an elaborate early April Fool's joke, but it isn't. Read through CARB's complete Cool Cars Standards and Test Procedures here (PDF link) for more.
Thanks for the tip, Joaquin!
[Source: CARB (PDF link); Wards Photo: 7mary3]
- My Introduction To Negotiating Renewable Energy Policy
By Brandon Kline, Energy Law Fellow Earlier this month, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 (SB 350) into law. SB 350 is landmark legislation that establishes world-leading energy efficiency...
- Drought Dries Up California’s Hydropower But Not Its Vision For A Renewable Energy Future
Credit: NREL and MWH GlobalCalifornia legislators recently passed a bill to increase the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to require 50% renewables by 2030. That is, by the year 2030, at least half of all electricity consumed in the state...
- California Governor Jerry Brown Proposes Significant Rps Expansion
By Nick Lawton, Staff Attorney During his inaugural address on January 5, 2015, California Governor Jerry Brown announced three important goals for the state’s energy portfolio. Governor Brown framed these goals as part of an effort to mitigate climate...
- Unreal. Dear Leader's Emissions Plan Will Cost Consumers $1,300 Per Vehicle
Obama has a plan, and you're going to pay for it. From Gateway Pundit: Just what Americans need right now... Obama's emissions limits plan will cost Americans $1,300 per vehicle. The AP reported: President Barack Obama's new fuel and emission...
- Cheap Brands Under Fire
A new national framework to set common standards and energy efficiency ratings on appliances, machinery and other materials will come into effect on 1 October, following the passage of legislation through Federal Parliament. The Greenhouse and Energy...