Transporation Daily News 10/31

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to support a controversial project that would replace an aging fossil fuel plant on Potrero Hill with a newer fossil fuel plant. The board voted 8-3 as a symbolic gesture to show support for the plans, which would require the nod from several state agencies. The new plant would be much smaller and would only be used when there is high demand for power in the city, but some people question the general wisdom of building a power plant that operates on fossil fuel. SF Chronicle 10/31/07

 

The city of Fresno has agreed to pay $5.8 million plus interest to settle a dispute over a controversial sale of airport property to Gap Inc. Under the agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration, quietly reached in July, the city will make payments over 10 years into a fund it can use for improvements at Fresno Yosemite International Airport. In a deal started in 1997, the city sold about 200 acres to Gap for $2. But following an FAA audit, federal authorities contended that the city had a duty to sell the property at market value and reinvest the money into the airport. The settlement agreement accomplishes that purpose, city and federal officials said. Fresno Bee 10/30/07

 

A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California and the California Air Resources Board found that up to half of Los Angeles residents' total exposure to harmful air pollutants occurs while people are traveling in their vehicles. "If you have otherwise healthy habits and don't smoke, driving to work is probably the most unhealthy part of your day," said one scientist involved. Science Daily 10/30/07

 

Ontario's privacy commissioner is launching an investigation into the installation of thousands of security cameras throughout Canada's largest public transit network following a complaint by an international privacy watchdog that the system would violate the privacy of Toronto commuters. Yesterday $5.4 million was earmarked by BART to upgrade and install new cameras on their lines. The Globe and Mail 10/25/07

 

Measures adopted by the California Air Resources Board last week included restrictions on shipping companies, as well as manufacturers and trucking companies. One of the six measures calls for cargo ships to shut down their engines while docked at port and use so-called cold ironing facilities. Some shipping industry members have mentioned that they prefer the current voluntary measures that involve switching to low-sulfur fuels. Sustainable Shipping 10/30/07

 

Pleasanton soon may file a lawsuit against the city of Livermore for approving an increase in operations at their city airport without first analyzing potential environmental effects. The Livermore City Council unanimously approved a contract with a private operator in June to manage fuel sales and 65 new hangars at the Livermore Municipal Airport, despite, critics say, not conducting an environmental review. The Public Works Department said the consensus among airport officials is that an environmental review isn't needed until a final, specific plan is submitted by the new operator. SJ Mercury 10/31/07