DALLAS (February 19, 2008) – Earth Biofuels, Inc. (OTCBB:  EBOF) today announced that its subsidiary, Applied LNG Technologies, Inc. (“ALT”), has executed a new three year supply agreement to sell and deliver liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) to SYSCO Food Services of Los Angeles, Inc., a subsidiary of SYSCO Corporation (NYSE: SYY).

As is the case with its numerous other West Coast customers, ALT will deliver the LNG from its plant in Topock, Arizona to SYSCO of Los Angeles for use in SYSCO’s fleet of delivery trucks.

Robert Kidder, Manager of Fleet and Facilities for SYSCO Foods of LA, stated, “Signing this long term contract with ALT provides us a secure source of LNG at costs significantly lower than diesel prices.”

ALT’s Vice President of Operations, Kevin Markey, said, “This long term agreement gives ALT the opportunity to continue our relationship with an outstanding group like SYSCO Foods of LA that is dedicated to natural gas fuel alternatives.”   

Transportation grade LNG helps companies meet strict emission standards in the state of California.  Vehicles fueled by the transportation grade LNG produce approximately one-sixth of the nitrous oxides (NOx) and up to 15 percent less greenhouse gases than comparable petroleum diesel fueled vehicles.  

About Earth Biofuels

Earth Biofuels produces and distributes biodiesel fuel through wholesale and retail outlets. The fuel is sold under Willie Nelson''s brand name, "BioWillie^®." Earth Biofuels also produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG) through its subsidiary, ALT LNG.  The Company is focused on meeting the growing demand for alternative and renewable fuels in the domestic market. The Company''s website is www.earthbiofuels.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  In this context, forward-looking statements may address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “will,” and other terms with similar meaning.  These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can provide no assurances that these assumptions will prove to be correct.  In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, important factors that, among others, could cause or result in actual results and experience to differ materially from the Company’s anticipated results, projections, or other expectations are disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, risks, and uncertainties, and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

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DALLAS (February 19, 2008) – Earth Biofuels, Inc. (OTCBB:  EBOF) today announced that its subsidiary, Applied LNG Technologies, Inc. (“ALT”), has executed a new three year supply agreement to sell and deliver liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) to SYSCO Food Services of Los Angeles, Inc., a subsidiary of SYSCO Corporation (NYSE: SYY)

As is the case with its numerous other West Coast customers, ALT will deliver the LNG from its plant in Topock, Arizona to SYSCO of Los Angeles for use in SYSCO’s fleet of delivery trucks.

Robert Kidder, Manager of Fleet and Facilities for SYSCO Foods of LA, stated, “Signing this long term contract with ALT provides us a secure source of LNG at costs significantly lower than diesel prices.”

ALT’s Vice President of Operations, Kevin Markey, said, “This long term agreement gives ALT the opportunity to continue our relationship with an outstanding group like SYSCO Foods of LA that is dedicated to natural gas fuel alternatives.”   

Transportation grade LNG helps companies meet strict emission standards in the state of California.  Vehicles fueled by the transportation grade LNG produce approximately one-sixth of the nitrous oxides (NOx) and up to 15 percent less greenhouse gases than comparable petroleum diesel fueled vehicles.  

About Earth Biofuels

Earth Biofuels produces and distributes biodiesel fuel through wholesale and retail outlets. The fuel is sold under Willie Nelson''s brand name, "BioWillie^®." Earth Biofuels also produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG) through its subsidiary, ALT LNG.  The Company is focused on meeting the growing demand for alternative and renewable fuels in the domestic market. The Company''s website is www.earthbiofuels.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  In this context, forward-looking statements may address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “will,” and other terms with similar meaning.  These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can provide no assurances that these assumptions will prove to be correct.  In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, important factors that, among others, could cause or result in actual results and experience to differ materially from the Company’s anticipated results, projections, or other expectations are disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, risks, and uncertainties, and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

###

DALLAS (February 19, 2008) – Applied LNG Technologies, Inc. (“ALT”), today announced it has executed a new three year supply agreement to sell and deliver liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) to SYSCO Food Services of Los Angeles, Inc., a subsidiary of SYSCO Corporation (NYSE: SYY).

As is the case with its numerous other West Coast customers, ALT will deliver the LNG from its plant in Topock, Arizona to SYSCO of Los Angeles for use in SYSCO’s fleet of delivery trucks.

Robert Kidder, Manager of Fleet and Facilities for SYSCO Foods of LA, stated, “Signing this long term contract with ALT provides us a secure source of LNG at costs significantly lower than diesel prices.”

ALT’s Vice President of Operations, Kevin Markey, said, “This long term agreement gives ALT the opportunity to continue our relationship with an outstanding group like SYSCO Foods of LA that is dedicated to natural gas fuel alternatives.”   

Transportation grade LNG helps companies meet strict emission standards in the state of California.  Vehicles fueled by the transportation grade LNG produce approximately one-sixth of the nitrous oxides (NOx) and up to 15 percent less greenhouse gases than comparable petroleum diesel fueled vehicles.  

About ALT LNG

ALT LNG produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG).  The Company is focused on meeting the growing demand for alternative and renewable fuels in the domestic market. The Company''s website is www.altlng.com.  ALT LNG is a subsidiary of Earth Biofuels, Inc. (OTCBB: EBOF) www.earthbiofuels.com

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  In this context, forward-looking statements may address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “will,” and other terms with similar meaning.  These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can provide no assurances that these assumptions will prove to be correct.  In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, important factors that, among others, could cause or result in actual results and experience to differ materially from the Company’s anticipated results, projections, or other expectations are disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, risks, and uncertainties, and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

Per the terms of a prior agreement, ALT has the first right to purchase one hundred percent of the nameplate capacity (5,000 gallons per day) production of the LNG facility which is owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prometheus Energy Company at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill.  ALT markets the LNG to the Orange County Transportation Authority.

ALT’s Vice President of Operations, Kevin Markey, said, “We are excited to incorporate renewable LNG from landfill gas into our growing California market.  The demand for clean, transportation-grade LNG in California has never been higher.”

Prometheus’ Chief Operating Officer, Earl Franklin, added, “We are proud to have the first LNG production facility of its kind in operation and look forward to growing our relationship with ALT.”

Solid waste landfills produce a 50% methane gas as a result of the decomposition of organic materials within the landfill.  The Bowerman production facility is the first of its kind in the U.S. to commercially produce renewable vehicle-grade LNG from landfill gas.

Transportation grade LNG helps companies meet strict emission standards in the state of California.  Vehicles fueled by the transportation grade LNG produce approximately one-sixth of the nitrous oxides (NOx) and up to 15 percent less greenhouse gases than comparable petroleum diesel fueled vehicles.

About ALT LNG

ALT LNG produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Company is focused on meeting the growing demand for alternative fuels in the domestic market. The Company''''s website is www.altlngusa.com.

About Earth Biofuels

Earth Biofuels produces and distributes biodiesel fuel through wholesale and retail outlets. The fuel is sold under Willie Nelson''''s brand name, "BioWillie®." Earth Biofuels also produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG) through its subsidiary, ALT LNG.  The Company''''s website is www.earthbiofuels.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  In this context, forward-looking statements may address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “will,” and other terms with similar meaning.  These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can provide no assurances that these assumptions will prove to be correct.  In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, important factors that, among others, could cause or result in actual results and experience to differ materially from the Company’s anticipated results, projections, or other expectations are disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, risks, and uncertainties, and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

Per the terms of a prior agreement, ALT has the first right to purchase one hundred percent of the nameplate capacity (5,000 gallons per day) production of the LNG facility which is owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Prometheus Energy Company at the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill.  ALT markets the LNG to the Orange County Transportation Authority.

ALT’s Vice President of Operations, Kevin Markey, said, “We are excited to incorporate renewable LNG from landfill gas into our growing California market.  The demand for clean, transportation-grade LNG in California has never been higher.”

Prometheus’ Chief Operating Officer, Earl Franklin, added, “We are proud to have the first LNG production facility of its kind in operation and look forward to growing our relationship with ALT.”

Solid waste landfills produce a 50% methane gas as a result of the decomposition of organic materials within the landfill.  The Bowerman production facility is the first of its kind in the U.S. to commercially produce renewable vehicle-grade LNG from landfill gas.

Transportation grade LNG helps companies meet strict emission standards in the state of California.  Vehicles fueled by the transportation grade LNG produce approximately one-sixth of the nitrous oxides (NOx) and up to 15 percent less greenhouse gases than comparable petroleum diesel fueled vehicles.

About ALT LNG

ALT LNG produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Company is focused on meeting the growing demand for alternative fuels in the domestic market. The Company''''s website is www.altlngusa.com.

About Earth Biofuels

Earth Biofuels produces and distributes biodiesel fuel through wholesale and retail outlets. The fuel is sold under Willie Nelson''''s brand name, "BioWillie®." Earth Biofuels also produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG) through its subsidiary, ALT LNG.  The Company''''s website is www.earthbiofuels.com.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  In this context, forward-looking statements may address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “will,” and other terms with similar meaning.  These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can provide no assurances that these assumptions will prove to be correct.  In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, important factors that, among others, could cause or result in actual results and experience to differ materially from the Company’s anticipated results, projections, or other expectations are disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, risks, and uncertainties, and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

“ALT has an established customer base serving much of Southern California and Arizona fleets and municipalities,” said Darren Miles, Earth Biofuels’ Chief Financial Officer.  “Kevin Markey’s experience in managing logistics and manufacturing operations perfectly positions him to lead expansion efforts.”

The Company also reports the appointment of Guy Burgess as ALT’s Western Region Sales Manager.  He is based in Los Angeles, California.

“Mr. Burgess comes to us with a wealth of experience in new market development and sales management for liquefied natural gas applications in the western United States,” said Mr. Markey.  “With his prior experience in heavy-duty truck sales and most recently his work with Chart Industries LNG/LCNG fueling stations, Mr. Burgess has strong ties to the industry as well as established customer relationships.  I believe that his appointment will enhance the ALT’s growth plan for the West Coast, specifically Southern California and Arizona.  With these states’ increasing commitment to clean, alternative fuels, we are poised to meet a growth market.” 

ALT LNG produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Company is focused on meeting the growing demand for alternative fuels in the domestic market. The Company''''''''s website is www.altlngusa.com.

Earth Biofuels produces and distributes biodiesel fuel through wholesale and retail outlets. The fuel is sold under Willie Nelson''''''''s brand name, "BioWillie®." Earth Biofuels also produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG) through its subsidiary, ALT LNG.  The Company''''s website is www.earthbiofuels.com.
 

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure
 

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  In this context, forward-looking statements may address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “will,” and other terms with similar meaning.  These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can provide no assurances that these assumptions will prove to be correct.  In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, important factors that, among others, could cause or result in actual results and experience to differ materially from the Company’s anticipated results, projections, or other expectations are disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, risks, and uncertainties, and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

“ALT has an established customer base serving much of Southern California and Arizona fleets and municipalities,” said Darren Miles, Earth Biofuels’ Chief Financial Officer.  “Kevin Markey’s experience in managing logistics and manufacturing operations perfectly positions him to lead expansion efforts.”

The Company also reports the appointment of Guy Burgess as ALT’s Western Region Sales Manager.  He is based in Los Angeles, California.

“Mr. Burgess comes to us with a wealth of experience in new market development and sales management for liquefied natural gas applications in the western United States,” said Mr. Markey.  “With his prior experience in heavy-duty truck sales and most recently his work with Chart Industries LNG/LCNG fueling stations, Mr. Burgess has strong ties to the industry as well as established customer relationships.  I believe that his appointment will enhance the ALT’s growth plan for the West Coast, specifically Southern California and Arizona.  With these states’ increasing commitment to clean, alternative fuels, we are poised to meet a growth market.” 

ALT LNG produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Company is focused on meeting the growing demand for alternative fuels in the domestic market. The Company''''''''s website is www.altlngusa.com.

Earth Biofuels produces and distributes biodiesel fuel through wholesale and retail outlets. The fuel is sold under Willie Nelson''''''''s brand name, "BioWillie®." Earth Biofuels also produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG) through its subsidiary, ALT LNG.  The Company''''s website is www.earthbiofuels.com.
 

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure
 

This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  In this context, forward-looking statements may address the Company’s expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “seeks,” “will,” and other terms with similar meaning.  These forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Although the Company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can provide no assurances that these assumptions will prove to be correct.  In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, important factors that, among others, could cause or result in actual results and experience to differ materially from the Company’s anticipated results, projections, or other expectations are disclosed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  All forward-looking statements in this press release are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, risks, and uncertainties, and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

The City of Redlands now offers the public access to purchase Liquefied Natural Gas and Compressed Natural Gas (LNG/CNG) through the renewal of a three-year contract with Applied LNG Technologies (ALT), the largest provider of vehicle-grade LNG in the Western United States.

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) meets California’s strict emission standards and is now more readily available for use by commercial vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, utility companies, fleets, light-duty trucks and consumer CNG vehicles.  Vehicles fueled by the transportation grade LNG produce approximately one-sixth of the nitrous oxides (NOx) and up to 15 percent less greenhouse gases than comparable petroleum diesel fueled vehicles. 

The City of Redlands’ fueling station is located at 1270 West Park Avenue and will be open Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“We are pleased to be able to offer the public access to clean, domestically produced LNG and CNG in a convenient location and ALT has been a great partner in this effort,” said Gary Van Dorst, Director of Quality of Life Department, City of Redlands.

Through California’s South Coast Air District and Air Quality Management grants, the City of Redlands will operate 20 of its 32 municipal vehicles on LNG/CNG fuels by the fiscal year end.

“This is a win-win agreement because it allows ALT to provide LNG on a long term basis and gives the City of Redlands peace of mind knowing that they have stability regarding their LNG supply,” said Kevin Markey, Vice President, ALT, Inc.

About ALT LNG
ALT LNG produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Company is focused on meeting the growing demand for alternative fuels in the domestic market. The Company''s Web site is www.altlngusa.com.

The City of Redlands now offers the public access to purchase Liquefied Natural Gas and Compressed Natural Gas (LNG/CNG) through the renewal of a three-year contract with Applied LNG Technologies (ALT), the largest provider of vehicle-grade LNG in the Western United States.

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) meets California’s strict emission standards and is now more readily available for use by commercial vehicles, heavy-duty trucks, utility companies, fleets, light-duty trucks and consumer CNG vehicles.  Vehicles fueled by the transportation grade LNG produce approximately one-sixth of the nitrous oxides (NOx) and up to 15 percent less greenhouse gases than comparable petroleum diesel fueled vehicles. 

The City of Redlands’ fueling station is located at 1270 West Park Avenue and will be open Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“We are pleased to be able to offer the public access to clean, domestically produced LNG and CNG in a convenient location and ALT has been a great partner in this effort,” said Gary Van Dorst, Director of Quality of Life Department, City of Redlands.

Through California’s South Coast Air District and Air Quality Management grants, the City of Redlands will operate 20 of its 32 municipal vehicles on LNG/CNG fuels by the fiscal year end.

“This is a win-win agreement because it allows ALT to provide LNG on a long term basis and gives the City of Redlands peace of mind knowing that they have stability regarding their LNG supply,” said Kevin Markey, Vice President, ALT, Inc.

About ALT LNG
ALT LNG produces and markets liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Company is focused on meeting the growing demand for alternative fuels in the domestic market. The Company''s Web site is www.altlngusa.com.

Applied LNG Technologies (ALT) announces its participation in the Mobility 21 Sixth Annual Southern California Transportation Summit, Monday, November 5, 20007, reports Kevin Markey, Vice President Operations. 

"Mobility 21 was created in 2002 to bring together elected officials, transportation providers, businesses, local municipalities, labor and community leaders to develop solutions to the transportation issues facing Los Angeles County.  In 2007, Mobility 21 became a regional effort to focus on the transportation efforts of Southern California. In addition to Los Angeles County, Mobility 21 is comprised of stakeholders from Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties to engage in a conversation about regional transportation priorities for our 17 million residents," according to the event''''''''s sponsors.

Applied LNG Technologies (ALT) announces its participation in the Mobility 21 Sixth Annual Southern California Transportation Summit, Monday, November 5, 20007, reports Kevin Markey, Vice President Operations. 

"Mobility 21 was created in 2002 to bring together elected officials, transportation providers, businesses, local municipalities, labor and community leaders to develop solutions to the transportation issues facing Los Angeles County.  In 2007, Mobility 21 became a regional effort to focus on the transportation efforts of Southern California. In addition to Los Angeles County, Mobility 21 is comprised of stakeholders from Ventura, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties to engage in a conversation about regional transportation priorities for our 17 million residents," according to the event''''''''s sponsors.

Applied LNG Technologies to exhibit at California Transit Association 42^nd Annual Fall Conference & EXPO, November 12-14, 2007 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA

Applied LNG Technologies to exhibit at California Transit Association 42^nd Annual Fall Conference & EXPO, November 12-14, 2007 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, CA

The report is available online in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal at http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov.

The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers at the German Research Center for Environment and Health.

original story

The report is available online in the Environmental Health Perspectives journal at http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov.

The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers at the German Research Center for Environment and Health.

original story

NEW YORK (May 2) -- California´s major metropolitan areas are the smoggiest cities in the United States, according to an American Lung Association report.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Los Angeles, Fresno, Bakersfield and Visalia-Tulare-Porterville metropolitan areas top the list, followed by the Houston-Galveston area.

Nearly half of the nation´s population -- more than 137 million people -- live in areas with unhealthy amounts of ozone, which is the main ingredient in smog.

"We see a tiny dip in the number of Americans directly affected by ozone, but at these huge numbers, it´s insignificant," said John Kirkwood, the American Lung Association´s president and CEO.

Ninety-three counties´ ratings improved by at least one grade since last year´s report, while 26 counties received lower grades this year, based on air quality data collected by the Environmental Protection Agency.

original story

NEW YORK (May 2) -- California´s major metropolitan areas are the smoggiest cities in the United States, according to an American Lung Association report.
For the fourth consecutive year, the Los Angeles, Fresno, Bakersfield and Visalia-Tulare-Porterville metropolitan areas top the list, followed by the Houston-Galveston area.

Nearly half of the nation´s population -- more than 137 million people -- live in areas with unhealthy amounts of ozone, which is the main ingredient in smog.

"We see a tiny dip in the number of Americans directly affected by ozone, but at these huge numbers, it´s insignificant," said John Kirkwood, the American Lung Association´s president and CEO.

Ninety-three counties´ ratings improved by at least one grade since last year´s report, while 26 counties received lower grades this year, based on air quality data collected by the Environmental Protection Agency.

original story

WASHINGTON (May 20) -- The Environmental Protection Agency has settled a lawsuit filed by environmental and health groups by promising to re-examine national air quality standards for soot and smog.
The American Lung Association, the Clean Air Task Force, Earthjustice and Environmental Defense said May 19 that they reached an agreement with the EPA that establishes a schedule for reviewing national standards for particulate and ozone limits in light of recent scientific evidence.

The standards were set in 1997, and the Clean Air Act requires the EPA to review them every five years, according to the groups. However, the EPA has not yet done so.

"It is crucial that we continue to update public health safeguards according to the latest medical research about the dangers of these pollutants," said Howard Fox of Earthjustice.

Particulate matter has been linked to heart and lung ailments and premature deaths.

The settlement, filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, obligates the EPA to publish updated standards for particulate matter by Dec. 20, 2005. The agency must publish updated ozone standards by Dec. 20, 2006.

The agreement will not delay the EPA´s ongoing plans to adopt the eight-hour ozone standard, Fox said. On May 14, the EPA published guidelines to help states begin developing strategies to comply with the ozone standard that was established in 1997. That standard was not immediately adopted because of legal challenges that had to be resolved.

EPA officials could not be reached for comment.

original story

WASHINGTON (May 20) -- The Environmental Protection Agency has settled a lawsuit filed by environmental and health groups by promising to re-examine national air quality standards for soot and smog.
The American Lung Association, the Clean Air Task Force, Earthjustice and Environmental Defense said May 19 that they reached an agreement with the EPA that establishes a schedule for reviewing national standards for particulate and ozone limits in light of recent scientific evidence.

The standards were set in 1997, and the Clean Air Act requires the EPA to review them every five years, according to the groups. However, the EPA has not yet done so.

"It is crucial that we continue to update public health safeguards according to the latest medical research about the dangers of these pollutants," said Howard Fox of Earthjustice.

Particulate matter has been linked to heart and lung ailments and premature deaths.

The settlement, filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington, obligates the EPA to publish updated standards for particulate matter by Dec. 20, 2005. The agency must publish updated ozone standards by Dec. 20, 2006.

The agreement will not delay the EPA´s ongoing plans to adopt the eight-hour ozone standard, Fox said. On May 14, the EPA published guidelines to help states begin developing strategies to comply with the ozone standard that was established in 1997. That standard was not immediately adopted because of legal challenges that had to be resolved.

EPA officials could not be reached for comment.

original story

Online Exclusive, Jun 12 2003

Regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would virtually eliminate emissions from diesel engines used in farm, construction, and other non-road applications and will provide huge air quality benefits. But industry officials say the government must allow sufficient time for manufacturers to develop and implement necessary technology.
"Meeting the standards defined in the proposed regulation will be extraordinarily challenging and will require enormous effort, but engine manufacturers will do their part," Engine Manufacturers Assn. (EMA) president Joe Mandel said in a testimony at an EPA public hearing on the proposed regulation.

The proposed regulation would reduce sulfur levels in non-road diesel fuels and require further significant reductions in emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions from a wide variety of non-road engines and equipment throughout the country.

EPA''''s non-road proposal comes as engine manufacturers are developing the emissions control technology to meet recently approved EPA emissions standards for on-highway engines that take effect starting in 2004 and 2007.

original story

Online Exclusive, Jun 12 2003

Regulations proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would virtually eliminate emissions from diesel engines used in farm, construction, and other non-road applications and will provide huge air quality benefits. But industry officials say the government must allow sufficient time for manufacturers to develop and implement necessary technology.
"Meeting the standards defined in the proposed regulation will be extraordinarily challenging and will require enormous effort, but engine manufacturers will do their part," Engine Manufacturers Assn. (EMA) president Joe Mandel said in a testimony at an EPA public hearing on the proposed regulation.

The proposed regulation would reduce sulfur levels in non-road diesel fuels and require further significant reductions in emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions from a wide variety of non-road engines and equipment throughout the country.

EPA''''s non-road proposal comes as engine manufacturers are developing the emissions control technology to meet recently approved EPA emissions standards for on-highway engines that take effect starting in 2004 and 2007.

original story

L.A. Still Tops Lung Association ''''Worst Air'''' List
By Daniel DeNoon
Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD
on Wednesday, April 30, 2003
WebMD Medical News

May 1, 2003—Smog threatens the health of nearly half of all Americans, according to the American Lung Association''''s State of the Air 2003 report.

The report examines air quality data for 1999–2001, the most recent data from the EPA. It ranks air quality for ozone pollution.

Los Angeles holds on to its top ranking as the U.S. city with the worst air. Portland, Ore., and San Francisco are the two largest cities among the 20 cities with the best air.

The release of the report also marks the beginning of the annual ozone season, when the summer heat traditionally increases the level of smog.

The ALA''''s annual report looks at ozone levels across the country. Ozone, one of the most toxic ingredients in the soupy air we all know as smog, is a form of oxygen that even at low levels can cause health problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

This year, the nation''''s air got a little bit better—but that''''s only because of lucky weather, says ALA president John Kirkwood. Yet the report showed that 55% of counties with ozone monitors received an "F" rating on air quality.

"We can point to no significant ozone improvements other than a few lucky changes in the weather," Kirkwood says in a news release. "We can''''t depend on Mother Nature to protect Americans from disease and death caused by breathing human-made smog. It''''s time to fight for our right to breathe clean air and for America to solve the air pollution problems that Americans create."

The report is highly critical of the Bush administration''''s efforts to "repeal, weaken, and delay" the nation''''s Clean Air Act.

This year''''s 20 most polluted metropolitan areas are:

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, Calif.
Fresno, Calif.
Bakersfield, Calif.
Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, Calif.
Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Texas
Sacramento-Yolo, Calif.
Merced, Calif.
Atlanta, Ga.
Knoxville, Tenn.
Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, N.C.-S.C.
Washington-Baltimore, D.C.-Md.-Va.-W.V.
Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City, Pa.-N.J.-Del.-Md.
New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, Conn.-N.J.-N.Y.
Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz.
Baton Rouge, La.
Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point, N.C.
Memphis, Tenn.-Ark.-Miss.
Birmingham, Ala.
San Diego, Calif.
And the 20 metro areas with the least ozone air pollution, in alphabetical order:

Bellingham, Wash.
Brownsville-Harlingen-San Benito, Texas
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Duluth-Superior, Minn.-Wis.
Elkhart-Goshen, Ind.
Eugene-Springfield, Ore.
Fargo-Moorhead, N.D.-Minn.
Flagstaff, Ariz.-Utah
Greeley, Colo.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Laredo, Texas
Lincoln, Neb.
Medford-Ashland, Ore.
Portland-Salem, Ore.-Wash.
Salinas, Calif.
San Francisco
San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles, Calif.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Calif.
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Spokane, Wash.
SOURCES: State of the Air 2003, May 1, 2003, American Lung Association. News Release, American Lung Association.

L.A. Still Tops Lung Association ''''Worst Air'''' List
By Daniel DeNoon
Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD
on Wednesday, April 30, 2003
WebMD Medical News

May 1, 2003—Smog threatens the health of nearly half of all Americans, according to the American Lung Association''''s State of the Air 2003 report.

The report examines air quality data for 1999–2001, the most recent data from the EPA. It ranks air quality for ozone pollution.

Los Angeles holds on to its top ranking as the U.S. city with the worst air. Portland, Ore., and San Francisco are the two largest cities among the 20 cities with the best air.

The release of the report also marks the beginning of the annual ozone season, when the summer heat traditionally increases the level of smog.

The ALA''''s annual report looks at ozone levels across the country. Ozone, one of the most toxic ingredients in the soupy air we all know as smog, is a form of oxygen that even at low levels can cause health problems such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing.

This year, the nation''''s air got a little bit better—but that''''s only because of lucky weather, says ALA president John Kirkwood. Yet the report showed that 55% of counties with ozone monitors received an "F" rating on air quality.

"We can point to no significant ozone improvements other than a few lucky changes in the weather," Kirkwood says in a news release. "We can''''t depend on Mother Nature to protect Americans from disease and death caused by breathing human-made smog. It''''s time to fight for our right to breathe clean air and for America to solve the air pollution problems that Americans create."

The report is highly critical of the Bush administration''''s efforts to "repeal, weaken, and delay" the nation''''s Clean Air Act.

This year''''s 20 most polluted metropolitan areas are:

Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange County, Calif.
Fresno, Calif.
Bakersfield, Calif.
Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, Calif.
Houston-Galveston-Brazoria, Texas
Sacramento-Yolo, Calif.
Merced, Calif.
Atlanta, Ga.
Knoxville, Tenn.
Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, N.C.-S.C.
Washington-Baltimore, D.C.-Md.-Va.-W.V.
Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City, Pa.-N.J.-Del.-Md.
New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, Conn.-N.J.-N.Y.
Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz.
Baton Rouge, La.
Greensboro-Winston Salem-High Point, N.C.
Memphis, Tenn.-Ark.-Miss.
Birmingham, Ala.
San Diego, Calif.
And the 20 metro areas with the least ozone air pollution, in alphabetical order:

Bellingham, Wash.
Brownsville-Harlingen-San Benito, Texas
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Duluth-Superior, Minn.-Wis.
Elkhart-Goshen, Ind.
Eugene-Springfield, Ore.
Fargo-Moorhead, N.D.-Minn.
Flagstaff, Ariz.-Utah
Greeley, Colo.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Laredo, Texas
Lincoln, Neb.
Medford-Ashland, Ore.
Portland-Salem, Ore.-Wash.
Salinas, Calif.
San Francisco
San Luis Obispo-Atascadero-Paso Robles, Calif.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Calif.
Sioux Falls, S.D.
Spokane, Wash.
SOURCES: State of the Air 2003, May 1, 2003, American Lung Association. News Release, American Lung Association.