Technology Briefs — June 13 - June 19
ust click here to register.
The Latest Headlines:
- Louisiana Gov. Signs Ethanol-Blends Law
- NMFTA Offers Electronic Version of Directory
- EPA Issues Guidance for Retrofit Projects
- NMFTA Offers Electronic Version of Directory
Louisiana Gov. Signs Ethanol-Blends Law
Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco (D) signed a bill into law requiring the sale of ethanol-blended gasoline and other alternative fuels in the state once production reaches certain levels, the Associated Press reported.Blanco said Bob Odom, the state’s Agriculture Commissioner, will be able to delay the measure’s start if it appears it will increase gasoline prices, AP said.
Several ethanol and biodiesel plants are proposed around the state, AP said. Transport Topics
NMFTA Offers Electronic Version of Directory
An official with the National Motor Freight Traffic Association said the group has created an online version of its classification directory to make it easier for members, including less-than-truckload carriers, to determine how much to charge for shipments.William Mascaro, a senior classification specialist with NMFTA, said the association decided to have an online version of the National Motor Freight Classification directory because of the size of the printed version, which is more than 750 pages long.
“Having the information online means that is always up-to-date; there is no need to load updates onto individual computers,” he told Transport Topics.
By comparison, NMFTA will update the bound version several times a year, Mascaro said. Tarun Reddy
EPA Issues Guidance for Retrofit Projects
The Environmental Protection Agency issued guidance last Tuesday to states on how retrofit projects can be used in state plans to meet federal air quality standards, including fleet retrofits.Diesel retrofit technologies can reduce pollution from the existing diesel-powered fleets by up to 50% for nitrogen oxides and 90% for particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, EPA said.
The guidance also complements last year’s new federal transportation law, which directs state and local planning organizations to give priority funding to diesel retrofits and other cost-effective mobile strategies, EPA said.
