🚂😤 Loco-Motive Dispute
Good morning! Today, as the scorching sun casts its rays upon us, we bring you a sizzling edition of the Workday Dash on this hot Tuesday in June. From freight fluctuations to innovative technologies revolutionizing the way goods move, we've got you covered.
Let's embark on this journey together as we navigate the twists and turns of the supply chain universe on this scorching summer day. ☀️
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The Association of American Railroads (AAR) has filed a lawsuit against the California Air Resources Board (CARB) challenging the legality of the In-Use Locomotive regulation. The AAR argues that CARB lacks the authority to implement the rule, which includes provisions requiring train operators to make financial contributions based on their emissions levels.
The AAR states that the regulation would prematurely replace the current locomotive fleet with zero-emissions locomotives, a technology that is not sufficiently tested or commercially available. While acknowledging the need to address emissions, the AAR asserts that CARB's assumptions are flawed, and the rule would not effectively reduce emissions. The AAR and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) have requested that the rule not be enforced during the court proceedings.
Check out the featured article by Supply Chain Brain to learn more about the lawsuit against the state of California, and what it entails for the future. Will this lawsuit have a lasting effect? Will more people join in on the fight against the regulation?
Featured Article:
Association of American Railroads Files Lawsuit Against California | Supply Chain Brain
“The Association of American Railroads (AAR) filed a lawsuit June 16 against the California Air Resources Board (CARB) over the In-Use Locomotive regulation.”
Electric Vehicles & Sales
‘Toyota's Fun Experiment: Developing an Electric Vehicle with Manual Transmission’
Toyota engineers are developing a simulated manual transmission for electric cars, aiming to add a fun feature for those who enjoy the experience of shifting gears. Despite serving no functional purpose on electric vehicles, Toyota recognizes the importance of appealing to a wide range of consumers and hopes that this feature will attract those who find electric cars lacking excitement. While most cars in the United States, including gasoline-powered ones, come with automatic transmissions, manual transmissions are more common in Europe and are often offered as options for performance or budget cars. Most electric cars use single-speed transmissions due to the nature of their electric motors, which do not require multiple gears for different speeds.
Toyota's patent application describes a simulated manual transmission that utilizes sensors and a central computer to replicate the feel of shifting gears. Instead of having an actual multi-speed transmission, a shifter connected to the sensors and computer would mimic the behavior of a specific type of manual transmission car. Additionally, a clutch pedal would be included alongside the brake and accelerator pedals to enhance the driving experience. Drivers would even be able to downshift and experience engine braking. The simulated manual transmission programming would also realistically mimic the consequences of improper gear selection or insufficient throttle input, causing the car to shake and buck, like a gas-powered manual transmission car. The simulated manual transmission would be optional, with the car offering both a regular electric vehicle mode and a faux-manual mode. The inclusion of fake engine sounds has been speculated but is not mentioned in the patent application. The availability and release of the simulated manual transmission feature in global markets have yet to be confirmed. .
Ports & Climate Change
First U.S. Arctic Deep Water Port: A Hub for Cruise Ships and Military Operations
The expansion of the port in Nome, Alaska, is set to transform the region, accommodating larger cruise ships, cargo vessels, and military ships, and making it the nation's first deep-water Arctic port. With the decline of Arctic Sea ice due to global warming, more tourists are venturing to Nome, known for its Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and gold rush history. The expansion, estimated to cost over $600 million, aims to boost the local economy, provide goods to Alaska Native villages, and counter the presence of Russian and Chinese ships in the Arctic. While it excites business owners and officials, concerns about the environmental impact and its effect on Alaska Native subsistence activities have been raised. The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of the decade.
The effects of climate change have played a significant role in making the port expansion possible, as warmer winters and the opening of shipping lanes in the Bering Strait have increased maritime traffic. Nome has experienced a delay in the arrival of Bering Sea ice, causing the Iditarod finish line to be moved to the beach in recent years. The port expansion, funded by federal infrastructure money and state contributions, will effectively double the port's size, and allow for the docking of larger vessels. It is seen as a strategic move for the United States in the Arctic, with military assets being stationed in Alaska and missile defense capabilities being established. However, some residents express concerns about the displacement of traditional subsistence areas and the potential impact on the environment
Let’s Get Global 🌎
Checking out the scoop outside of the United States…
♻️ Buttigieg Advocates 'Green Corridors' to Reduce Shipping Industry Emissions during Yokohama Port Visit. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited the port of Yokohama in Japan and emphasized the importance of establishing "green shipping corridors" to reduce carbon emissions in the shipping industry. The United States aims to develop partnerships with like-minded countries to enhance maritime security and keep shipping and aviation corridors open. Emissions from maritime transport account for about 3% of global emissions, with Yokohama's port responsible for 40% of the city's emissions.
👷🏽 Tentative Labor Deal Calms Tensions at West Coast Ports. The International Longshore Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) have reached a six-year tentative deal, putting an end to the long-standing labor dispute at West Coast ports. The ILWU represents port workers, while the PMA represents shipping lines and terminal operators. The agreement, subject to ratification by both parties, brings relief to stakeholders in freight transportation and supply chain, as West Coast ports handle over 30% of US incoming container traffic.
iLevel With You 🏡
More topics for the average American household to consider…
🚗 Tesla Nearing Vehicle Autonomy, According to Musk. During the VivaTech conference in Paris, Elon Musk announced that Tesla is nearing the achievement of fully autonomous vehicles, highlighting that autonomy is the primary driver of the company's market value. While Tesla offers "Full Self-Driving" capability, the current features still require a fully attentive driver with their hands on the wheel. Tesla's autopilot system assists with steering, acceleration, and braking within a lane, relieving drivers of the most burdensome aspects of driving.
🌉 Philadelphia Bridge Collapse Threatens Food, Business Supplies, and Construction Materials. The closure of a section of I-95 in Philadelphia due to a bridge collapse is expected to impact a significant amount of freight transportation. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), an estimated 21 million tons of freight worth $104 billion could be affected by the closure. The top three categories of goods most affected by the closure, ranked by weight, are food products, mixed freight (office supplies, hardware, etc.), and non-metal mineral products (construction materials).
👗 Fashion Industry Forms Sustainable Supply Alliance. The Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and the Apparel Impact Institute (AII) have joined forces in a collaborative effort to accelerate decarbonization in the fashion industry and promote sustainability throughout the global clothes supply chain. The organizations aim to reduce emissions by at least 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels. Key areas of focus include unlocking finance for decarbonization, establishing impact targets for suppliers, creating action plans, and tracking climate-related achievements.
Get Smart 🧠
Ramp up that brain power for these advanced topics…
🔋 Breaking the 4-Hour Barrier: Mateo Jaramillo's Quest to Extend Lithium Batteries. Form Energy's CEO, Mateo Jaramillo, discusses how iron-air batteries could revolutionize renewable energy, enabling 24/7 electricity production and reducing reliance on polluting energy sources. The interview highlights the benefits of iron-air batteries over lithium-ion batteries and emphasizes the company's commitment to building trust with local communities. Jaramillo expresses confidence in Form Energy's mission and emphasizes the importance of collective efforts to combat climate change.
🛤 Freight Train Batteries Could Aid Power Grid in Emergencies. Researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory propose using electric batteries on freight trains to support the power grid during spikes in energy demand. The existing infrastructure can connect these trains to the grid, and the mobility of trains enables them to respond to extreme weather conditions. This approach could offer cost-effective backup power, potentially reducing the need for new transmission lines and infrastructure upgrades.
⛽️ Fuel Groups Urge EPA to Revise Greenhouse Gas Standards for Heavy-Duty Trucks. A group of diesel fuel industry stakeholders is urging the EPA to revise its greenhouse gas standards for heavy-duty trucks and adopt a market-oriented, technology-neutral approach to decarbonizing transportation. The group, which includes NATSO, SIGMA, and NACS, proposes harnessing the immediate benefits of existing lower-carbon options like renewable diesel and biodiesel, while also supporting the development of electric vehicle technologies.