Harper Government takes further action to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from passenger cars and light trucks

DOHA, Qatar, Dec. 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is taking further action to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from passenger automobiles and light trucks for 2017 and later model years. The proposed regulations announced last month build on existing regulations for 2011 to 2016 model year vehicles.

"As a result of our light-duty vehicle regulations, 2025 vehicles will emit about half as many GHGs as 2008 models and will consume up to 50 percent less fuel than 2008 vehicles—leading to significant savings at the pump," said Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent. "These regulations would establish progressively more stringent GHG emission standards for passenger automobiles and light trucks over the 2017 to 2025 model years."

In addition to reducing GHG of emissions by 162 megatonnes over the lifetime of vehicles produced in the model years 2017 to 2025, it is expected that these regulations, at today's gas prices, would allow a Canadian driving a model year 2025 vehicle to pay, on average, around $900 less per year compared to driving today's new vehicles.

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 regulations, which are aligned with stringent United States regulations, would provide significant environmental and economic benefits," added Minister Kent.

The proposed regulations are an important part of the Government of Canada's overall climate change strategy, which aims to reduce GHG emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020.

For more information on Canada's work to reduce GHGs, visit climatechange.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Environment Canada

Adam Sweet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
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