Canada begins consultations on vehicle emission standards

OTTAWA, Aug. 20, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada's light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards are supporting innovation, a cleaner and more competitive economy, and action on climate change, and they are saving consumers money at the pump.

Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, announced that the Government of Canada has published a discussion paper to begin consultations on the mid-term evaluation of Canada's light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas emission regulations for the 2022?2025 model years. These consultations are part of a commitment Canada made in 2014 when the regulations were published. 

The consultations will focus on a wide range of issues and emerging trends in the transportation industry. Some examples include the following:

• the cost savings for Canadians, which result from more fuel-efficient vehicles
• the cost of compliance with existing light-duty vehicle regulations
• Canada's commitments under the Paris climate change agreement and Canada's clean growth and climate action plan
• the competitiveness of the Canadian auto industry within an integrated North American market for vehicle manufacturing and trade

During these consultations, Canada will continue to pay close attention to the U.S. regulatory process, which is also underway, to revise existing standards for vehicle fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions in that country. As well, Canada will monitor the actions of California, other U.S. states, and the many other global jurisdictions that are also developing measures to address greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles.

Interested Canadians can submit their comments to Environment and Climate Change Canada until September 28, 2018.

Quotes

"Cleaner cars are good news for the planet, and they save Canadians money at the pump. This means more money in the pockets of middle-class families. We're committed to cutting pollution across the transportation sector while maintaining a strong and competitive auto industry. This review will help us enact regulations that will protect the environment and grow the economy."
? Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• Transportation is one of the largest sources of carbon pollution in Canada. Automobiles and light trucks account for about 11 per cent of Canada's total greenhouse gas emissions.
• Canada's greenhouse gas emissions are expected to have decreased by 7 million tonnes in 2030 because of increasing stringency for new model year 2022 and later vehicles.
• Canada's regulations for greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and light trucks have been aligned with those of the U.S. since the 2011 model year.
• Canada also has stringent air-pollution regulations for light-duty vehicles, which are also helping to improve air quality and the health of Canadians. The most recent amendments introduced stricter limits on air-pollutant emissions beginning with the 2017 model year in alignment with the U.S.

Associated links

• Discussion paper on the mid-term evaluation of the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations
• Greenhouse gas emissions performance for 2011 to 2015 light-duty vehicles

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada