Government of Canada Takes Further Action to Reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) and Air Pollution from Cars and Trucks

NEW YORK CITY, Sept. 22, 2014 /CNW/ - Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced developments today on three new regulatory initiatives to further support Canada's efforts to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to provide cleaner air for Canadians through lower air pollutant emissions from cars and trucks.

These vehicles and fuels regulatory initiatives are aligned with those of the United States. Given the close integration of economies between both countries, common Canada-United States standards deliver significant health and environmental benefits while supporting the competitiveness of Canadian businesses. Common standards lower the compliance costs of Canadian vehicle manufacturers and fuel refiners, which ultimately benefits consumers.

The final Regulations Amending the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations for model year 2017 and beyond will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on October 8. These regulatory amendments represent further action to reduce GHG emissions while building on the existing Regulations for 2011-2016 model year vehicles.

The proposed amendments to strengthen the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations and the Sulphur in Gasoline Regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on September 27. With these amendments, Canada is proposing to establish more stringent Tier 3 vehicle and fuel standards to provide cleaner air to Canadians.

In addition, the Government of Canada announced today it intends to start developing more stringent standards to further reduce GHG emissions and fuel consumption from post-2018 model year heavy-duty vehicles and engines.

The announcement was made at an auto-sector clean technology roundtable during Minister Aglukkaq's visit to New York to represent Canada at the Climate Finance Ministerial, the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate, a High-Level Assembly for the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and the UN Secretary-General's Climate Summit.

Quick Facts

• Over the lifetime operation of 2017 to 2025 model year vehicles, the Regulations Amending the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations are projected to deliver total GHG reductions of 174 megatonnes—roughly equivalent to one year of GHG emissions from Canada's entire transportation sector.
• As a result of these regulations, 2025 model year vehicles will consume up to 50 per cent less fuel than 2008 vehicles leading to significant savings at the pump.
• Tier 3 vehicle and fuel standards will reduce smog-forming air pollutant emissions for new vehicles by up to 80 per cent compared to the current Tier 2 standards.
• Amendments to the Sulphur in Gasoline Regulations would reduce the average sulphur content of gasoline by nearly 70 per cent beginning in 2017.
• The Notice of Intent for heavy-duty vehicles and engines would build on existing regulations for 2014-18 model years. As a result of the existing regulations, GHG emissions from 2018 model-year heavy-duty vehicles will be reduced by up to 23 per cent.
• As a result of collective action by governments, consumers and industry, Canada's 2020 GHG emissions are projected to be 128 Mt lower relative to a scenario with no action since 2005.

Quote

"Today's announcement further demonstrates our Government's commitment to address climate change and provide cleaner air for Canadians. These initiatives, which will protect the environment and provide health benefits, will be aligned with the United States, given the integrated nature of the North American economy. This is good news for the Canadian economy and will provide direct economic benefits to consumers in the form of fuel savings. We will continue to take action to protect the environment while keeping our economy strong."
- The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council

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For more information and to view a backgrounder on this announcement, please visit the Web site of Environment Canada.

Copies of regulatory documents associated with this announcement are available by request at [email protected].

SOURCE: Environment Canada

Ted Laking
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
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