ARB announces plan to help low income LA & Valley residents buy electric cars

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) will be helping low income residents of the Los Angeles area and the San Joaquin Valley purchase electric or hybrid vehicles. In an announcement released yesterday, ARB said the Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program and Plus-Up Pilot Project (EFMP) will provide cash vouchers for those who meet eligibility requirements and wish to replace or scrap their older, dirtier vehicles for cleaner, more fuel efficient ones or public transit vouchers.

Read more at the link below;

http://www.examiner.com/article/arb-announces-plan-to-help-low-income-la-valley-residents-buy-electric-cars

EPA officially orders Plains All American Pipeline to clean up Refugio oil spill

Today the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard officially ordered Plains All American Pipeline to clean up the Refugio Beach oil spill caused by a failure of its nearby pipeline. The joint order, authorized under the Clean Water Act, serves to ensure that Plains will continues its work inland, on the beach, and in the ocean, to contain the oil and prevent further shoreline contamination. The order establishes federally enforceable timelines and cleanup requirements for the long-term response action that will be required.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-officially-orders-plains-all-american-pipeline-to-clean-up-refugio-oil-spill

EPA awards $192,300 environmental jobs training grant to Fresno group

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it has awarded a $192,300 grant for environmental jobs training to a Fresno employment, education, and training service organization. The Fresno Regional Workforce Investment Board (FRWIB) will use the funds to train 70 students and place at least 60 graduates in environmental related jobs. The environmental fields that will use the workers include recycling, solid waste management, wastewater treatment, pest control, and hazardous waste cleanup.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-awards-192-300-environmental-jobs-training-grant-to-fresno-group

5 things you didn't know about Chuck Berry

"Oh Maybelleen, why can't ya be true?"

5 things you didn't know about Chuck Berry at the link below:

http://www.axs.com/5-things-you-didn-t-know-about-chuck-berry-55240

Plains responds to media criticism of its safety record and Refugio oil spill

Plains All American Pipeline Company, L.P., has responded to media criticism of its safety record and lack of automatic shutoff valves in a pipeline that spilled 2,500 barrels of crude oil, despoiling the Santa Barbara coast and adjoining ocean waters. The spill occurred on May 19, 2015, when crude oil escaped from an apparently broken pipeline, flowed through a culvert under Highway 101, and onto Refugio beach. The affected coastline has been closed to the public and an intensive cleanup and wildlife rescue operation is currently underway.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/plains-responds-to-media-criticism-of-its-safety-record-and-refugio-oil-spill

Plains oil spill in Santa Barbara reveals some interesting information

 On Tuesday morning, May 19, 2015, something happened to an onshore pipeline belonging to Plains All American Pipeline Company, LP., near Santa Barbara, CA. Approximately 2,500 barrels of crude oil was released from what has been reported to be a break in that pipeline. The oil flowed into a nearby storm drain culvert that went under California Highway 101 and made its way to Refugio Beach, contaminating both the beach and the Pacific Ocean.

However, a review of several media reports, statements from the pipeline owner, government officials, other oil company representatives, and others has revealed some interesting responses and tidbits of information that all will be factored into explaining the event, minimizing the chances of it happening again, and determining the ultimate responsibility, fines, and resultant costs. It may also help to influence the future of energy development and usage in Santa Barbara County and elsewhere.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/plains-oil-spill-santa-barbara-reveals-some-interesting-information

California closes in on ban of plastic microbeads in consumer products

California lawmakers, never shy when addressing environmental problems, have their sights set on another ecosystem problem – the use of plastic microbeads in beauty and personal care products. A bill that would ban the use of such materials in California, AB-888 (Bloom), has been making its way through the California Assembly. Today, after its third reading, the bill was passed on a 55-18 vote.

#microbeads,#ab888,#plasticpollution

Read more at the link below:


http://www.examiner.com/article/california-closes-on-ban-of-plastic-microbeads-consumer-products

Things to do at the 2015 Bakersfield Rock and Country Music and Art Festival

The 2015 Bakersfield Rock and Country Music and Art Festival is this Saturday, May 23, at Pioneer Village in Bakersfield, California. Several local, national, and international musical performers will be there to satisfy musical tastes from many different genres.

However, the festival isn’t just about music and the family friendly event will offer a variety of other attractions of which you may be unaware.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.axs.com/things-to-do-at-the-2015-bakersfield-rock-and-country-music-and-art-fe-54662

Performance schedule for Bakersfield Rock and Country Music and Art Festival

The 2015 Bakersfield Rock and Country Music and Art Festival will be held this Saturday, May 23, at Pioneer Village in Bakersfield, California. Over 50 local, national, and international acts will be performing on seven different stages all day and into the night.

Get the full schedule of main acts at the link below:

http://www.axs.com/performance-schedule-for-bakersfield-rock-and-country-music-and-art-fe-54615?fb_action_ids=10206281195976393&fb_action_types=og.likes

'History of the Eagles' tour comes to Bakersfield's Rabobank Arena

The Eagles bring their “History of the Eagles” tour to Bakersfield’s Rabobank Arena on Tuesday, May 26. Based on the documentary of the same name which debuted at the Sundance Film festival in 2013, then later aired on Showtime, the concert will feature songs that span the group’s entire career. Included in the performance will be some songs that had never been performed before a live audience until the current tour began in July 2013.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.axs.com/history-of-the-eagles-tour-comes-to-bakersfield-s-rabobank-arena-54533

Prohibited items at the Bakersfield Rock and Country Music and Art Festival

This Saturday at Pioneer Village in Bakersfield, CA, thousands of music fans will be attending the 2015 Bakersfield Rock & Country Music & Art Festival. The event features local, national, and international recording artists who together have sold more than one billion records.

Read more, including what NOT to bring, at the link below:

http://www.axs.com/prohibited-items-at-the-bakersfield-rock-and-country-music-and-art-fes-54379?fb_action_ids=10206272684923622&fb_action_types=og.likes

Pioneer Village hosts 2015 Bakersfield Rock & Country, Music & Art Festival

Music fans across the nation and even the world have been flocking to various music festivals recently. Be it Coachella, Stagecoach, the Bakersfield Jazz Festival, or Rock in Rio USA, fans of Rock & Roll, EDM, Alternative Rock, Jazz, and Country & Western music have traveled for miles and miles to listen to some great music and enjoy a festival atmosphere.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.axs.com/pioneer-village-hosts-2015-bakersfield-rock-country-music-art-festival-54331

Governor Brown signs historic GHG agreement today with other world leaders

California Governor Jerry Brown continued to establish his legacy as a champion for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) today when he signed an historic, first-of-its-kind agreement with leaders from 11 other states and countries across the world.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/governor-brown-signs-historic-ghg-agreement-today-with-other-world-leaders

5 things you didn’t know about Keith Whitley

The Country music world lost one of its brightest and innovative stars when Keith Whitley succumbed to the ravages of alcoholism and died at the young age of 34. With hits such as “Miami, My Amy,” “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” and the last single released before his death, "I'm No Stranger to the Rain," his work will be forever remembered in the genre.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.axs.com/5-things-you-didn-t-know-about-keith-whitley-53998

5 things you didn't know about Buck Owens

Buck Owens was one of Country music’s biggest stars and influential personalities. He and others are credited with creating the “Bakersfield Sound,” an electrified, twangy, rock-influenced version of honky tonk music made in response to what they felt was overly produced and string laden Country/Pop music from Nashville.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.axs.com/5-things-you-didn-t-know-about-buck-owens-53849

Five things you didn't know about Chet Atkins

One of the true legends of the music industry was guitarist Chet Atkins, known for his country, pop, and jazz talents. Although he recorded hundreds of his own records, his greatest influences were as a session musician and as a record producer. He is credited with helping to create the “Nashville” sound of country music in the 1950s and 1960s. The popular country style combined the essences from pop music of the time and honky tonks.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.axs.com/five-things-you-didn-t-know-about-chet-atkins-53766

Doosan Infracore Company fined $647,500 for violating air pollution regs

Another engine manufacturing company has run afoul of California's stringent air pollution regulations and has agreed to pay a significant fine as a result. South Korean based Doosan Infracore Company Ltd. illegally made field modifications to previously certified compressed natural gas (CNG) motor vehicle engines in violation of California's Health & Safety Code. The penalty, $647,500, was announced today by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) although the actual settlement was signed in October of last year.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/doosan-infracore-company-fined-647-500-for-violating-air-pollution-regs

Mel Tillis: 5 things you didn't know about the legendary artist

Country music star Mel Tillis has recorded more than 60 albums and written over 1000 songs. More than 600 of his songs have been recorded by major artists, including Kenny Rogers ("Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town"), Bobby Bare (“Detroit City”), Brenda Lee (“Emotions”), George Strait (“Thoughts of a Fool”), and Ricky Skaggs (“Honey (Open That Door)”).

Read more about Mel Tillis, including 5 things you didn't know, at the link below:

 http://www.axs.com/mel-tillis-5-things-you-didn-t-know-about-the-legendary-artist-53327

Randy’s Trucking, Inc., given largest ever fine for violating truck regulations

A trucking firm based in Taft, CA has just received the largest air pollution fine ever issued by California for violating the state’s landmark Truck and Bus Regulation. The California Air Resources Board (ARB) announced yesterday that Randy’s Trucking, Inc., has agreed to pay $524,675 for violating requirements designed to reduce harmful diesel emissions into the atmosphere.

The company will pay a portion of the penalty, $392,755, to the state’s Air Pollution Control Fund to support air quality research. The remaining $130,920 will be paid to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) to aid in the cleanup of school bus fleets throughout the state.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/randy-s-trucking-inc-given-largest-ever-fine-for-violating-truck-regulations

EPA issues NOV for oil terminal permits, blasting the SJVAPCD in the process

Anti-oil groups and environmental activists were overjoyed recently with the news that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Notice of Violation to the Bakersfield Crude Terminal and its owners/operators for violating the Clean Air Act. EPA said that the Taft, CA, facility, which was designed to receive crude oil by rail, had obtained invalid Authorities to Construct and Permits to Operate from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD). Additionally, EPA said that emission offsets and Best Available Control technology were not required by the APCD, blasting the local agency for an inadequate and incorrect permit review/issuance process.

However, in an e-mailed response today to an inquiry from Examiner.com, an APCD representative strongly disputed EPA's charges, stating that EPA did not properly investigate the facts and nor did it even contact the APCD to discuss its analysis of the project before issuing the NOV.

Read more at the link below:

http://www.examiner.com/article/epa-issues-nov-for-oil-terminal-permits-blasting-the-sjvapcd-the-process