General Policy Issues: Comments and Responses

• 4.1 Objective of the Proposed Regulations
• 4.2 Emission Reductions Resulting from the Proposed Standards

Ministry of the Environment of Ontario stated:

Saint John Citizens Coalition for Clean Air stated:

The comments reaffirm support for Canada to adopt regulations to reduce smog-forming emissions from marine spark-ignition engines and off-road recreational vehicles to further reduce the adverse impacts caused by emissions on the environment and the health of Canadians.

Environment Canada recognizes that California has adopted emission standards for marine spark-ignition engines that are more stringent than those set out in the proposed Regulations. In recent years, several vehicle and engine regulations have been adopted based on a policy of alignment with progressive U.S. standards. The consultations associated with the development of each of those regulations have revealed broad support for Canada's regulatory alignment of emission standards for on-road and off-road vehicles and engines with corresponding U.S. federal requirements. Stakeholders have generally recognized that the integrated nature of the Canada/U.S. economy and the implementation of aggressive national programs for on-road and off-road vehicles and engines by the EPA provide a strong environmental and economic rationale that supports a policy of alignment with U.S. federal programs. This approach provides Canada with significant emission reductions in a cost-effective manner.

It is important to note that the U.S. EPA has initiated a process of developing a proposal for new emission standards for outboard motors and personal watercraft that will be similar to those of California. To the extent possible, the proposed Regulations are structured to maintain alignment with U.S. standards as they are updated. Environment Canada intends to review the new U.S. rules when they are finalized and intends to take any necessary steps to ensure continued alignment.

Ministry of the Environment of Ontario stated:

Saint John Citizens Coalition for Clean Air stated:

The proposed Regulations will have a significant impact on reducing smog-forming emissions from marine engines and off-road recreational vehicles.

The proposed standards represent reductions in smog-forming emissions of up to 96 per cent on a per vehicle or engine basis, compared to average emission levels of products currently operating in Canada. As these significantly cleaner engines and vehicles replace an increasing proportion of older in-use products, it is estimated that the new standards will provide up to a 51 per cent reduction in the levels of harmful hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides and a further 33 per cent decrease in carbon monoxide emissions being released into the air by the year 2025.