A long-time leader in the energy sector, Levon Termendzhyan is an equity owner in Viscon USA and Viscon International. Through these companies, Levon Termendzhyan provides a diesel fuel additive known as Viscon that reduces particulate matter emissions in diesel fuel and boosts engine efficiency.Particulate matter (PM) refers to a mix of liquid droplets and solid particles that affect both the environment and human health. Typically, PM is divided into two categories based on size, PM10 and PM2.5. Particles small enough to be inhaled, with a diameter of 10 micrometers and less, are classified as PM10. These particles are usually visible with the naked eye. PM2.5 particles, which are up to 2.5 micrometers in diameter, are not visible to the eye. Both sizes of particles may be caused by natural or man-made sources. Natural causes of PM include volcanoes, dust storms, and forest fires. Living vegetation that releases isoprene, spores, methanol, and other particles into the air are also responsible for creating particulate matter, as are tornadoes and sea spray.Man-made causes of PM include coal, wood, and oil combustion. All of these common sources of power and heat in many countries around the world cause widespread particulates. Cement dust caused by construction or demolition, dust created by cars on the road, and tobacco smoke are also responsible for particulate matter in the air.
A native of Armenia, Levon Termendzhyan immigrated to the United States at the age of 14 and immediately began working in the oil and gas industry. Today, he leads several companies in the energy sector, including Noil Energy Group and Viscon International. At Viscon, Levon Termendzhyan leads development of a pollution-reducing fuel additive that has received certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB).Since its founding in 1967, CARB has spearheaded some of the most important environmental legislation and policy initiatives in American history. In addition to developing the first tailpipe emissions laws in the United States, CARB’s tireless advocacy for environmentally friendly regulations helped inspire the first federal Clean Air Act.Today, CARB maintains a range of climate-change programs, including the California Cap-and-Trade Program, which sets limits on the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) that any individual business in the state is allowed to produce. If a company produces more than its assigned limit, it either pays a penalty or must buy extra GHG allowances from other companies that have not used theirs. The CARB-led cap-and-trade program in California aims to reduce overall emissions in California to 1990 levels by the year 2020, with a further 80 percent reduction of that total by 2050. In addition, CARB is coordinating with several Canadian provinces to create complementary cap-and-trade rules and joint goals.
