Statement by Canada's Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, on the Government of Canada's Actions on Transportation-Related Emissions

TORONTO, June 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Canada's Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, issued the following statement after delivering remarks at Pollution Probe's breakfast forum on Project EVAN (Electric Vehicle ANalysis):

"Pollution Probe and Environment Canada have a strong working relationship on the environmental issues facing the transportation sector and I hope to pursue this dialogue well into the future.

"Over the course of the last year, our Government has made great progress in our efforts to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. Working with our partners, we are delivering on our commitments to clean air and to address climate change.

"Two weeks ago, we announced our Government's intention to align our transportation-related air pollution emission standards with the Tier 3 standards proposed in the United States, to achieve more stringent North American standards. Once fully phased-in, the standards are expected to reduce smog-forming air pollutants from new vehicles by approximately 80 percent compared to the current Tier 2 standards. "In February, our Government announced measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from 2014-2018 model-year heavy-duty vehicles such as full-size pick-ups, semi-trucks, garbage trucks and buses. With these tough new regulations in place, greenhouse gas emissions from 2018 model-year heavy-duty vehicles will be reduced by up to 23 percent.

"In November last year, we announced proposed regulations to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions of passenger automobiles and light trucks for model years 2017 and beyond. As a result of our action to date, 2025 passenger vehicles and light trucks will emit about half as many greenhouse gases as 2008 models.

"We have to continue to strive for even greater improvements, whether it is through implementing more innovative technologies for vehicles and cleaner fuels, or through readying consumers and the marketplace for more advanced technology in our vehicles.

"This is why we like to support achievements like the EVAN project that contribute to a more energy efficient transportation system in Canada. We make a difference and achieve more by working together."

 

SOURCE: Environment Canada

Mary Ann Dewey-Plante
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008

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