Statement - Canada congratulates the United States on stricter greenhouse gas regulations for heavy-duty vehicles

GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 16, 2016 /CNW/ - The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, issued the following statement today:

"Congratulations to our friends, United States Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy and United States Department of Transportation's Secretary Anthony Foxx, on the announcement of their final Phase 2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Efficiency Standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

"The U.S. is showing leadership in tackling climate change. These regulations will steadily reduce harmful climate emissions and improve the fuel economy of large trucks, including tractor trailers, on North American highways through 2027. This is real progress for the environment and for the economy.

"Canada and the U.S. have a long history of collaborating on regulations to reduce greenhouse gases from heavy-duty vehicles.

"Regulating this sector is key to providing cleaner air for Canadians. The Government of Canada intends to align with the Phase 2 emission standards, while considering specific implications for the Canadian heavy-duty vehicle, engine and trailer sectors. The proposed Canadian regulations for heavy-duty vehicles will lower greenhouse gas emissions from one of the largest sources in Canada."

Quick facts

• Canada intends to publish our proposed regulations for heavy-duty vehicles, Phase 2, by the end of 2016 and will provide a consultation period for Canadians.
• Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada and is a major source of smog-forming air pollutant emissions.
• Canada's current Phase 1 heavy-duty vehicles regulations apply to 2014 and later model-year vehicles such as full-size pick-ups, semi-trucks, garbage trucks and buses.

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)