OTTAWA - Today, the Government of Canada announced the
extension of the Natural Gas for Vehicles Market Transformation Pilot Project.
The additional $1.855 million, provided by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan),
will help promote the use of natural gas in the commercial-fleet sector across
Canada.
Under the extended project, fleet owners may now receive up to $3,000 toward
the installation of an advanced natural-gas
vehicle (NGV) conversion system. This will allow them to operate
standard gasoline vehicles on natural gas using approved technology through
certified conversion facilities. This project is being implemented by the
Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (CNGVA).
Applicants continue to receive an incentive under the original pilot project
toward the capital cost of buying or leasing a new NGV with a warranty from a vehicle
manufacturer.
"By promoting the use of natural gas in fleet vehicles that are already on
our roads, Canadians will enjoy a cleaner, healthier environment," said the
Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Through our
ongoing support of programs like this one, the Government of Canada continues to
demonstrate its commitment to addressing climate change."
Rick Thomas, President of the CNGVA, said: "Canadian NGV companies have taken a leadership role
in providing NGV technology and
solutions to the global marketplace. As President of the Canadian Natural Gas
Vehicle Alliance, I applaud the efforts of NRCan to invest in NGVs in Canada to help meet our
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions-reduction targets and provide cleaner air for all
of us."
Vehicles that use natural gas produce 21 percent fewer GHG emissions than
their conventional gasoline counterparts. With the difference in price between
Canadian natural gas and gasoline at an average of 20 cents a litre in 2004,
NGVs will help fleet owners save on fuel costs while helping Canada meet its
commitment under the Kyoto Protocol.
Additionally, NRCan and the CNGVA will continue to examine ways to boost the
availability of NGVs in the
market. They will develop and implement a focused awareness program to engage
high-consumption fuel users and demonstrate NGVs in commercial use as part of their
marketing strategy.
Funding for the pilot project will come from the $9.9-million Natural Gas for
Vehicles measure announced in the 2003 federal budget.
The Government of Canada's approach to climate change is focused on making
the right choices for Canada. This will ensure that the actions taken contribute
to the long-term goals of building a sustainable economy for the 21st
century, a healthier environment and strong communities, while affirming
Canada's place in the world.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada has extended a program that promotes the use of
natural gas in vehicles in order to provide more benefits to commercial-fleet
owners. The Natural Gas for Vehicles Market Transformation Pilot Project,
administered by Natural Resources Canada, now offers fleet owners incentives to
convert their vehicles to natural gas, as well as to lease natural gas vehicles.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain Charron
Tom Ormsby
Media Relations
Director of Communications
Natural Resources Canada
Office of the Minister
Ottawa
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 992-4447
Ottawa
(613) 996-2007
The following media backgrounder is also available:
The
Natural Gas for Vehicles Market Transformation Project
