ST. JOHN'S - It could be a message from your doctor, but it's the sound advice that Smart Taxis Encouraging Environmental Respect (STEER) brings to the taxi industry of St. John's. With the launch of its second phase, STEER is now expanding to bring its educational programs and workshops to other vehicle fleets in Newfoundland and Labrador. Officially started in 2001 by the taxi industry of St. John's, STEER aims to educate the industry and the general public on environmentally friendly driving techniques and vehicle maintenance. The project involves several partners, including the City of St. John's, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Natural Resources Canada and the Conservation Corps of Newfoundland and Labrador. "The City of St. John's is proud to be an initial partner in a project that benefits everyone on the local, provincial, national and global levels," said St. John's Mayor Andy Wells. "Transportation accounts for 25 percent of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions, the main contributor to climate change," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "STEER's success shows that people want to do their part to address climate change, and I am pleased that the Government of Canada is working with these partners on improving the efficiency of taxis, which are on the road for extended periods of time." STEER has already developed an education program and workshop on decreased idling and effective vehicle maintenance. The workshop will be expanded to include other fleets in St. John's, and then brought to the public through targeted outreach programs. Compared to many other countries, Canada faces the challenge of transporting people and goods over long distances - a definite factor in our high daily use of cars and trucks. The STEER project believes we can all do our part to preserve and protect our environment every day. For additional information about STEER, please visit http://www.steersj.ca/. For more information, media may contact: Tom Ormsby Director of Communications Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 996-2007 Ghyslain Charron Media Relations Natural Resources Canada Ottawa (613) 992-4447 Catherine Allix STEER Project Coordinator (709) 690-1137 Geraldine King Manager Environmental Initiatives Engineering Department City of St. John's (709) 576-8613
