EPA Plans to Issue Higher-Ethanol Gasoline Proposal by February

 

The Environmental Protection Agency aims to release its draft rule allowing year-round sales of higher ethanol gasoline blends by February, and end deliberations on the proposal by May, according to a filing with the Office of Management and Budget.

President Donald Trump last week announced his intention to lift the summertime ban on sales of so-called E15 gasoline, which was imposed by the EPA to reduce smog. The announcement marked a win for farmers eager to expand the market for corn-based ethanol, and was seen as a political victory for Trump ahead of congressional elections in November.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said last week he was confident the rule would be ready for the driving season next year, although industry experts said such a timeline was too ambitious.

Trump’s announcement capped a months-long effort by the White House to thread the needle between rival corn and oil industry interests, both of which are unhappy with the administration’s handling of the nation’s biofuels policy.

Why Fiber Optic Cabling Is Essential for City-Wide Internet Growth

In an increasingly connected world, reliable, high-speed internet access is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. From smart traffic lights to streaming services and e-commerce platforms, city life depends on digital infrastructure that can handle massive amounts of data at lightning speeds. At the heart of this infrastructure is fiber optic cabling, a technology that’s quickly becoming essential for city-wide internet growth.

The Need for Speed and Reliability

Fiber optic cables transmit data using light, making them exponentially faster and more reliable than traditional copper-based systems. This allows for:

  • Higher bandwidth for streaming, cloud computing, and real-time communication

  • Faster speeds, often reaching gigabit levels for both uploads and downloads

  • Lower latency, which is critical for emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles and telemedicine

  • Improved reliability, especially in densely populated urban environments where demand is high

As urban populations grow and digital demands increase, cities must invest in infrastructure that can support the present and future needs of both residents and businesses.


Urban Growth and Digital Expansion

Cities are becoming digital ecosystems, powered by smart technologies that enhance safety, sustainability, and efficiency. Fiber optics are foundational to:

  • Smart city technologies like real-time transit updates, environmental monitoring, and public safety systems

  • High-density living, where hundreds or thousands of residents in one building need seamless access to high-speed internet

  • Remote work and education, which have become permanent aspects of urban life

Without fiber optic infrastructure, cities risk falling behind in global competitiveness and quality of life.


Supporting Local Businesses and Institutions

High-speed internet isn’t just for residential users. Businesses—especially in sectors like finance, media, and healthcare—rely on rapid data transfer to operate efficiently. Schools and universities need stable connections for digital learning platforms, while hospitals require reliable data systems for telehealth and records management.

To meet these needs, cities are increasingly turning to commercial network cabling services that specialize in designing and installing large-scale fiber systems tailored for urban business districts and enterprise buildings.


Scalability and Future-Proofing

One of the most compelling reasons to invest in fiber optic cabling is scalability. Fiber networks can handle vast increases in traffic without the need for costly infrastructure overhauls. This makes fiber an ideal long-term solution for cities anticipating population growth and technological advancements.

As 5G networks expand and the Internet of Things (IoT) connects everything from refrigerators to traffic lights, only fiber can support the data backhaul required to make these innovations work seamlessly.


Environmental and Economic Benefits

Fiber optic cabling is not only more energy-efficient than copper wiring, but also less susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which means fewer outages and maintenance calls. Over time, this reduces operational costs and environmental impact. Moreover, cities with fiber infrastructure attract more tech companies, increase property values, and create jobs tied to infrastructure upgrades.


Overcoming Urban Installation Challenges

Deploying fiber optic cabling in a city comes with unique challenges—crowded underground utility lines, complex permitting processes, and the need for minimal disruption to daily life. However, modern trenchless technologies and aerial deployment methods are making it easier and faster to install fiber even in dense urban areas.

Working with experienced contractors and city planners ensures the process is efficient, safe, and compliant with local regulations.


The internet is the backbone of today’s cities—and fiber optic cabling is the backbone of the internet. As digital demands soar and smart technology becomes the norm, investing in fiber isn’t just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic necessity.

Whether supporting residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, or municipal operations, fiber optic networks pave the way for faster, more connected, and more competitive urban environments.

DERA Funding Announced

The Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Charles Snavely today announced the 2018 Kentucky Clean Diesel Grant Program, which will provide $275,689 for projects to reduce diesel emissions from aging school buses in the Commonwealth.

Funding is being made available through the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This competitive program is open to all public school districts and private schools located in Kentucky.

“This program will help schools protect the health of our children by reducing diesel emissions and improving air quality,” Sec. Snavely said. “I encourage all of our school districts to apply for this funding.”

Kentucky public school districts and private schools that own and operate school buses are eligible to apply for funding through this grant program, which will reimburse up to 25 percent of the cost to replace a school bus. Grant recipients are responsible for the remaining 75 percent.

Kentucky school buses travel about 100 million miles each year, providing transportation for more than 350,000 children. Diesel exhaust can negatively affect children, who have a faster breathing rate than adults and whose lungs are not yet fully developed.

New buses emit up to 60 times fewer pollutants than those built before 1995, but budget restrictions often push bus replacement to the back burner.
“This program will provide additional resources that make it easier for school districts to replace older, more polluting buses with newer, cleaner ones,” said Department for Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Sean Alteri.

Proposals that achieve the most cost-effective emission reductions, and those that demonstrate the greatest emission reductions will be given priority in grant awards, as will applicants located in current or former non-attainment areas for ozone or particulate matter.

The purchase of new vehicles to expand the fleet is not covered by this program. Vehicles being replaced must be scrapped and rendered inoperable. Evidence of appropriate disposal, such as a photograph of the scrapped vehicle including serial number and VIN, will be required in order to receive grant funds.

The deadline to apply for funds is November 8, 2018. To apply, visit the Division for Air Quality’s web-site at http://air.ky.gov/Pages/CleanDiesel.aspx.

Alternative Fuel Corridors 2018 Nomination Request Released

The Federal Highway Administration has released the 2018 call for nominations for the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act Designation of Alternative Fuel Corridors.

Current corridor designations and information about the program can be found on our cornerstone project page with the link below.

Information for the call for nominations can be found on the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration website.

Juvenile Justice: How the System Handles Underage Offenders

The juvenile justice system is a crucial component of the legal framework designed to address offenses committed by individuals under the age of 18. Unlike the adult criminal justice system, which primarily focuses on punishment, the juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate young offenders and help them reintegrate into society as productive, law-abiding citizens.

Let’s explore the key aspects of how the juvenile justice system handles underage offenders, from initial arrest to rehabilitation and reentry.

Understanding the Juvenile Justice System

The juvenile justice system operates under the principle that young people have the capacity for change and that their behavior can be influenced positively through appropriate interventions. The system emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment, recognizing that the developmental stages of youth require a different approach than that used for adults.

Arrest and Intake

When a minor is arrested, the process typically begins with intake, where a juvenile probation officer or intake officer assesses the case. According to a criminal lawyer, during this stage, the officer evaluates the severity of the offense, the minor’s previous criminal history, and other relevant factors. Based on this assessment, the officer may decide to handle the case informally, diverting the youth to counseling, community service, or other programs, or formally, by filing a petition for the case to go to juvenile court.

Detention

If the offense is serious, the juvenile may be detained in a juvenile detention center while awaiting court proceedings. Detention is used to ensure the safety of the community and the minor. However, the goal is to use detention sparingly and for the shortest time possible. Alternatives to detention, such as electronic monitoring, home confinement, or placement in a foster home, are often considered to avoid the potentially negative impact of detention on young offenders.

Adjudication

The adjudication process in juvenile court is similar to a trial in adult court but is typically less formal. During adjudication, the judge hears evidence from both the prosecution and the defense and determines whether the minor committed the alleged offense. If the judge finds the minor delinquent (guilty), the case moves to the disposition phase. Unlike adult trials, juvenile adjudications often focus more on the minor’s needs and less on the offense’s punitive aspects.

Disposition

Disposition in juvenile court is akin to sentencing in adult court. However, the emphasis is on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Disposition options can include probation, community service, restitution, placement in a juvenile correctional facility, or enrollment in a treatment program for substance abuse or mental health issues. The court considers the minor’s background, the nature of the offense, and the potential for rehabilitation when determining the appropriate disposition.

Rehabilitation Programs

Rehabilitation programs are central to the juvenile justice system’s mission. These programs address various needs, including education, mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, vocational training, and life skills development. The aim is to equip young offenders with the tools and support they need to avoid future criminal behavior and succeed in their personal and professional lives.

Reentry and Aftercare

Reentry and aftercare services are critical for helping juveniles transition back into their communities after being in a detention center or residential program. These services may include continued counseling, educational support, job placement assistance, and mentorship. The goal is to provide a stable and supportive environment that fosters positive behavior and reduces the likelihood of reoffending.

Challenges and Reforms

The juvenile justice system faces several challenges, including disparities in how different racial and socioeconomic groups are treated, overcrowded detention facilities, and limited resources for rehabilitation programs. Recent reforms have focused on addressing these issues by promoting alternatives to detention, improving access to mental health services, and implementing restorative justice practices that emphasize accountability and making amends to victims and the community.

The juvenile justice system is designed to address the unique needs of underage offenders, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment. By focusing on the developmental potential of young people and providing targeted interventions, the system aims to help juveniles become responsible, law-abiding adults. While challenges remain, ongoing reforms and a commitment to rehabilitation and restorative justice offer hope for more effective and equitable outcomes for young offenders.

Virgin Atlantic Celebrates Milestone Flight With Sustainable Fuel

Virgin Atlantic is celebrating the completion of a milestone Florida-London flight that used LanzaTech’s carbon-recycling technology.

EPIC Fuels provided expertise in fuel blending, as well as technical and logistical support, to Virgin Atlantic and LanzaTech to enable the first-ever commercial flight using a blend of petroleum-based jet fuel and alcohol-to-jet synthetic paraffinic kerosene (ATJ-SPK) fuel produced from waste gases, says EPIC.

LanzaTech’s technology captures carbon-rich industrial waste gases, such as those from steel mills, and recycles them into ethanol. The ethanol, in turn, can be used for a variety of low-carbon products, including being upgraded to ATJ-SPK, which can be blended into jet fuel, explains EPIC.

After blending traditional jet fuel with LanzaTech ATJ-SPK, the fuel mix was rigorously tested at a commercial jet fuel-testing laboratory. EPIC also worked with Menzies Aviation at Orlando International Airport (MCO) to ensure all requirements were met for both ASTM testing and airport operations for this fuel.

The results met the required specifications for ASTM 1655 jet fuel and were cleared for use on the historic flight onboard one of Virgin’s Boeing 747 aircraft. The first flight using this fuel was VA flight 16 from MCO to London Gatwick (LGW) on Oct. 2.

Oct 11 Webinar: Delivering on the Promise for Zero-Emission Goods Movement

Fuel cell electric vehicles continue to see increased attention year over year as a promising solution to replace internal combustion engines in goods movement and other energy intensive applications. Hydrogen station development, new vehicle launches, and fleet deployments continue to increase at a steady pace, with significant growth expected in the near term as policymakers around the world continue to announce their intent to introduce mandates for zero-tailpipe emissions.

Plug Power is sponsoring a free webinar on Thursday, October 11 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET to:

  • Learn how fuel cell technologies can enable commercial fleets to meet sustainability and regulatory compliance objectives
  • Understand how fuel cell engines work, including the impact on vehicle and operator performance (fuel economy, range, emissions, up time, driver experience)
  • Gain insight from a global delivery fleet that has been successfully testing fuel cell-powered electric delivery vans
  • Learn why October 8 is “National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day”

Webinar presenters include:

Larry Pitts - Plug Power
Larry Pitts
Director of Mechanical Design
Plug Power
(NGVAmerica)
Phillip Galbach - FedEx
Phillip Galbach
Project Engineering Specialist, Global Vehicles
FedEx
(NGVAmerica)
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Blue Bird Delivers its First Electric School Buses

Blue Bird’s first electric-powered school buses are on their way to customers in Ontario and California.

All of the customers who obtained the buses were able to do so through the help of financial grants, which helped pay for all or part of the cost of the buses, as well as some infrastructure costs.

Jack Matrosov of Wheelchair Accessible Transit, based in Toronto, was able to add one Micro Bird G5 electric school bus to his fleet through the use of the Electric and Hydrogen Vehicle Incentive Program (EHVIP), offered by Ontario’s government.

Blue Bird is also delivering seven Type D All American rear-engine electric school buses in California. The larger, 72-passenger buses have a similar design to that of many Blue Bird Type D compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that districts operate in the state today.

National Corvette Museum installing electric vehicle charger

Volkswagen earned a dirty reputation several years ago when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discovered that the company’s cars sold in America were designed with the capability to cheat emissions tests – a scandal referred to as “Dieselgate.”

In penance, the German automaker agreed to spend $2 billion in the U.S. promoting electric vehicles through its new venture, Electrify America.

Electrify America plans to install 2,000 EV chargers across the nation – and the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green is on the list.

Volvo to Launch All-Electric Class 8 Trucks in North America

As part of a partnership between the Volvo Group, California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and other industry stakeholders in transportation and electrical charging infrastructure, Volvo Trucks will introduce all-electric truck demonstrators in California next year and commercialize them in North America in 2020.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has preliminarily awarded $44.8 million to SCAQMD for the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project, involving 16 partners. Volvo LIGHTS is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts cap-and-trade dollars to work in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The demonstration units will be based on the technology currently being used in the Volvo FE Electric, which Volvo Trucks presented in May and will begin selling in Europe in 2019.

“This is an excellent opportunity to show the end-to-end potential of electrification,” states Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “From solar energy harvesting at our customer locations, to electric vehicle uptime services, to potential second uses for batteries, this project will provide invaluable experience and data for the whole value chain.”