Maintain AirCare beyond 2011: BCGEU welcomes Metro Vancouver AirCare Review
Committee report

VANCOUVER, Nov. 4 /CNW/ - Continuing the AirCare program beyond 2011 is a cost-effective way of reducing harmful emissions in the Lower Mainland, the Metro Vancouver AirCare Review Committee has concluded. The BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) welcomes this development, and calls on Metro Vancouver to endorse these findings at its next Board meeting on November 9.

"The environmental benefits of AirCare have been measured. It's an effective program, with a proven track record in lowering harmful emissions across the Lower Mainland. The review process clearly indicates that the health and cost benefits of the program extend until 2020 at least, if not longer," said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

"It's time to end the uncertainty around the future of AirCare. We are calling on Metro Vancouver to endorse these findings, and for the Government of British Columbia to renew the program," Walker said.

AirCare has been reviewed and updated at regular intervals since its creation in 1992. The program is scheduled to end on December 31, 2011, pending the current review process. The AirCare Review Committee is presenting its report to Metro Vancouver on November 9 next.

The review proves that the environmental and health benefits of the program outweigh its costs until at least 2020, even using the most conservative emissions and health benefits estimates. Despite more stringent emissions standards for new personal vehicles, the actual emission performance of newer vehicles is deteriorating more rapidly than initially thought, the report warned.

AirCare is the vehicle emissions testing program for the Lower Mainland. The program is run by BCGEU and COPE 378 members and administered by Translink. One hundred and fourteen BCGEU members work at AirCare facilities in the Lower Mainland.

The AirCare program is funded entirely through the collection of test fees, and is required by legislation to collect no more than the revenue sufficient to cover the costs of the program.

For further information:

Oliver Rohlfs, BCGEU Communications [phone]