Germany may miss 2020 emission targets, government report shows

2017 Volkswagen e-GolfAmbitious emissions-reduction goals are important, because they allow policymakers to coordinate and focus efforts on a defined target. But the problem with setting lofty goals is that, eventually, they must be met. The German government is now finding out how difficult that can be. DON'T MISS: EU starts legal action against Germany, UK for...

Global carbon emissions have been flat for three years now

Ontario Power Generation Nanticoke Generating Station coal power plantGlobal efforts to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions may be starting to pay off, suggests a recent study. Last month, scientists released an assessment that suggests global carbon emissions did not increase significantly in 2016. That makes this the third year in a row that carbon emissions have remained flat. DON'T MISS: Renewable energy growth...

Will California lead the green-car resistance?

2017 Chevrolet VoltWhen it comes to green cars, California leads the nation—and has done so for decades. California residents buy more hybrids and electric cars than those of any other state, and it is also the only state with fueling infrastructure to support the sale of hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Consumer enthusiasm is underpinned by strict regulations...

Porsche too said to use ‘defeat device’ software for gasoline cars

2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4SIt's been 15 months since news broke that VW Group had used "defeat device" software in its diesel cars and SUVs that let them emit far more than permitted levels of nitrogen oxides in real-world use. Even now, however, the Volkswagen diesel scandal continues to grow new tentacles as investigators uncover additional apparent instances of...

5 African nations push for cleaner diesel fuel from European suppliers

Oil field (Image: Flickr user johnny choura, used under CC license)African nations have a very specific problem when it comes to dealing with emissions from diesel vehicles. Because of lax emissions standards, traders import fuel to these countries that is too dirty for sale elsewhere. But now a handful of African nations are taking a stand against this. DON'T MISS: Why Africa gets filthiest diesel fuel: little...

Automaker lobbyists fail to overturn EPA emission rules

U.S. Capitol BuildingA week ago, the EPA recommended that U.S. vehicle emission standards stay put for the years 2022 through 2025. According to the Technical Assessment Report the agency issued in July, automakers have so far quite successfully met standards in place since 2012 to cut emissions of the climate-change gas carbon dioxide. And, the report concluded, they...

Carmakers howl about CAFE rules, but regularly beat them; why?

Gas pumpThis week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it would maintain current Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for 2022 to 2025. The decision was praised by environmental groups, but likely won't receive as warm a reception from the industry. CAFE standards are up for a midterm review, and auto-industry lobbyists spent...