Pollution Probe announces support for Federal Government's announcement of
Draft Regulation of GHG emissions from new vehicles

TORONTO , Dec. 8 /CNW/ - Pollution Probe's Executive Director, Bob Oliver , was quick to offer his support of the federal government's announcement of new draft regulations to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new passenger vehicles and light trucks beginning with the 2011 model year.

"Transportation is the source of one quarter of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. The draft regulations announced by Environment Canada mark the first regulatory action taken by the federal government to reduce GHG emissions", says Mr. Oliver .

Pollution Probe has urged the Government in the past to consider the benefits of a vehicle size-based approach to assigning fuel efficiency or GHG emissions targets to industry, consistent with the approach pioneered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is important, however, to recognize the uniqueness of the Canadian vehicle fleet and to adapt our domestic regulations to the preferences of the domestic Canadian market. The approach described by Environment Canada provides for this outcome, and Pollution Probe looks forward to providing input in the announced consultation process. Pollution Probe will continue to press for a policy package that serves to realize the opportunities to maximize automobile fuel efficiency and minimize GHG emissions in Canada .

"Regulations will help consumers save money at the pump, will drive technological innovation in Canada's automotive sector, and will help the environment", says Mr. Oliver .

A comprehensive backgrounder on this topic is presented in Pollution Probe's Primer on Fuel Efficiency and Emissions, launched in partnership with the Canadian Automobile Association on November 26th, 2009 . The primer is available at http://www.caa.ca/primer/ or http://www.pollutionprobe.org/Publications/AutoPrimer.pdf.

About Pollution Probe:

Pollution Probe is a leading Canadian environmental not-for-profit group dedicated to achieving positive, tangible environmental change through its research, education and advocacy programs. Pollution Probe has an active transportation program focused on automobile fuel efficiency, freight movement, public transit, electric vehicles and consumer behaviour. To learn more about Pollution Probe, visit www.pollutionprobe.org.

For further information: Bob Oliver, Executive Director, Pollution Probe, [phone] ext.231