Canada takes action to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from heavy-duty vehicles

DOHA, Qatar, Dec. 4, 2012 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada has initiated proposed regulations that will improve fuel efficiency and help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2018 model year heavy-duty vehicles by up to 23% from those sold in 2010.

"This Government is committed to improving fuel efficiency and reducing GHG emissions from new on-road heavy-duty vehicles, and from the transportation sector in general," said Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent. "At today's gas prices, a truck operator driving a model year 2018 vehicle would save up to $9,600 per year in fuel compared to driving a 2010 model year vehicle."

The Government of Canada is taking a sector-by-sector approach to reducing GHG emissions that achieves real environmental and economic benefits for all Canadians.

These proposed regulations, published in April 2012, would reduce emissions from the whole range of on-road heavy-duty vehicles and engines, including large pick-up trucks, short/long-haul tractors, cement and garbage trucks, buses, and others, for the 2014 model year and beyond. The regulations also allow the Government of Canada to continue establishing emission standards and test procedures that are aligned with those of the United States.

"As a result of the proposed regulations, GHG emissions from Canada's heavy-duty vehicles will be reduced by nineteen megatonnes over the lifetime of vehicles produced in the model years' 2014-2018 cohort," added Minister Kent.

Reducing emissions from the transportation sector is an important part of the Government of Canada's overall climate change strategy, which aims to reduce GHG emissions by 17% from 2005 levels by 2020. Final regulations for heavy-duty vehicles are due to be published in 2013. For more information on Canada's work to reduce GHGs, visit climatechange.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Environment Canada

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(Également offert en français)