Search

For obtaining type approval in the European Union, light-duty vehicles have to comply with emission limits during standardized laboratory emissions testing. Although emission limits have become more stringent in past decades, light-duty vehicles remain an important source of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide emissions in Europe. Furthermore, persisting air quality problems in many urban areas suggest that laboratory emissions testing may not accurately capture the on-road emissions of light-duty vehicles. To address this issue, we conduct the first comprehensive on-road emissions test of light-duty vehicles with state-of-the-art Portable Emission Measurement Systems. We find that nitrogen oxides emissions of gasoline vehicles as well as carbon monoxide and total hydrocarbon emissions of both diesel and gasoline vehicles generally remain below the respective emission limits. By contrast, nitrogen oxides emissions of diesel vehicles (0.93 ± 0.39 grams per kilometer [g/km]), including modern Euro 5 diesel vehicles (0.62 ± 0.19 g/km), exceed emission limits by 320 ± 90%. On-road carbon dioxide emissions surpass laboratory emission levels by 21 ± 9%, suggesting that the current laboratory emissions testing fails to accurately capture the on-road emissions of light-duty vehicles. Our findings provide the empirical foundation for the European Commission to establish a complementary emissions test procedure for light-duty vehicles. This procedure could be implemented together with more stringent Euro 6 emission limits in 2014. The envisaged measures should improve urban air quality and provide incentive for innovation in the automotive industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union (EU) adopted the first legislation on chemicals management in 1967 with the Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD). Over time the underlying concepts evolved: from hazard identification over risk assessment to safety assessment. In 1981 a premarketing notification scheme was introduced. Approximately 10 years later a risk assessment program started for existing substances following a data collection and prioritization exercise. Integration of science into EU chemicals legislation occurred via several technical committees managed by the European Chemicals Bureau (ECB) and resulted in the Technical Guidance Document on Risk Assessment (TGD), which harmonized the risk assessment methodology. The TGD was revised several times to adapt to scientific developments. The revision process, and the risk assessments for new and existing substances, led to scientific research on chemical risk assessment and thus increased in complexity. The new EU chemicals policy REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of CHemicals) builds on previous experiences and aims to further enhance health and safety. REACH places the burden of proof for chemical safety on industry focusing on managing risks. REACH formalizes the precautionary principle. Furthermore, it underlines a continued scientific underpinning in its implementation, also via stakeholder involvement, and a focus on aligning with international fora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents news items related to environmental policies in the United States and Europe as of January 1, 2002. Debate of European lawmakers on the ban of polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants; Amendment of the hard rock mining riles by the administration of President George W. Bush; Proposal of the European Commission for a carbon dioxide emissions trading scheme.

Focuses on the efforts of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) to ensure that the European Union (EU) keeps a high profile on environmental issues. Functions of the EEB; Day-to-day operations of the EEB; Contacts that the EEB need to cultivate in order to function well; Results of EEB efforts; Future plans for the EEB; Response to changes occurring within the EC and European Parliament. INSETS: EU's governmental structure.;What is the EEB?.

Discusses the integration of economic valuation in the environmental decision-making in European Union countries. Use of economic valuation in policy-making purposes; Available valuation techniques; Ideological and practical obstacles that hinder its wider use.

Discusses the reactions of the electronic equipment industry from both the United States and Europe on a directive regulating waste from electrical and electronic industry to be issued by the European Commission. Violation of international trade laws; Requiring of producers to take back their equipment free of charge once it reaches the end of its useful life.

The article reports on the agreement between the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the European Commission and the California Air Resources Board to harmonize international inspection and testing standards for automobile air conditioning systems in the U.S. and European Union countries in 2006. The agreement is expected to result in the creation of global standards that will restrict leakages of the HFC-134a fluorinated greenhouse gas to 40 grams per year from automobiles sold after 2008.

Reports on the launch of the multinational emissions trading system by the European Union. Slated opening of the market in 2005; Concept of the emissions trading system.

Reports on the European Commission's extension of its 'emergency' ban on several phthalate softeners used in children's toys to December 5, 2000. Migration tests confirming leaching of phthalate from polyvinyl toys into saliva; Proposal to permanently ban phthalates in toys for children under three years old.

Focuses on a directive agreed upon by the European Parliament and the European Union's (EU) Council of Ministers, aiming to unify surface and groundwater protection across the EU. Key provisions of the directive; Requirements set for EU member countries by 2015.

Focuses on the failure of European Union members states to comply with multiple environmental laws, according to a report released by Environment Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard. Potential impact of noncompliance on the Union's authority to implement and enforce these laws; Suggestion of ways to increase compliance, including deterrents such as trade sanctions and allowing courts to handle complaints.