OTTAWA, October 19, 2005 -- The Honourable Stéphane
Dion, Minister of the Environment, and the Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh,
Minister of Health, announced today final regulations to significantly
reduce sulphur levels in diesel fuel used for rail, marine and other
off-road purposes such as construction, agricultural and industrial equipment.
“These regulatory measures are part of our overall agenda for
making fuels and vehicles cleaner in order to protect human health and
the environment,” said Minister Dion. “The overall clean
air plan for North America aims for delivery of less polluting vehicles
and engines, expanded pollutant reporting by industry and reduced emissions
from industry.”
Since 2001, regulations have been implemented to cut down engine emissions
of many pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and volatile
organic compounds that come from on- and off-road vehicles, engines and
the fuels that power them.
“These regulations set stringent new Canadian standards aligned
with U.S. requirements,” added the Minister, “and by promoting
the competitiveness of Canada’s refining industry, the approach
is aligned under the Government of Canada’s Project Green, the
broad environmental vision that links Canada’s economic competitiveness
and prosperity to a sustainable future.” The regulations introduce
controls on sulphur in non-road diesel fuel from the current unregulated
level to a 500 milligrams per kilogram (mg / kg) limit in 2007 and a
15 mg/kg limit starting in 2010. This will result in about a 99% reduction
in four years from the current, unregulated average level of sulphur
in non-road diesel fuel.
“The action taken with this regulation and the other major initiatives
to reduce air pollution from the combustion of fossil fuels provide health
benefits, especially for those who suffer from high levels of air pollution," said
Minister Dosanjh.
The two-phase target approach to reducing the sulphur limit as set out
in the regulations is required to meet the industry standards. The 15
mg/kg limit in 2010 ensures that the level of sulphur in diesel fuel
reaches the standards for the effective operation of new generation low
emission diesel engines for off-road construction, mining, farming and
forestry equipment coming onto the market in model year 2011.
The Government
of Canada’s comprehensive 10 year Federal Agenda
for Cleaner Vehicles, Engines and Fuels sets out a plan of actions to
reduce emissions from these sources. For example, Canada’s Sulphur
in Diesel Fuel Regulations were published in July 2002. These regulations
limit the level of sulphur in diesel fuel used in on road vehicles to
500 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). Starting in 2006, the allowable
limit for on road diesel vehicles will be reduced to 15 mg/kg. This will
lead to substantial reductions in emissions of sulphur and particulate
matter, thus helping to address air quality in Canada and protect the
health of Canadians.
Further, tighter standards are being phased-in under the On-Road
Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations to reduce smog-forming emissions from
2004 and later model year on-road vehicles. The Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition
Engine Emission Regulations came into effect on January 1, 2005 and,
for the first time, establish emission standards for new spark-ignition
engines (typically gasoline-fuelled) found in lawn and garden machines,
in light-duty industrial machines, and in light-duty logging machines.
As well, beginning in 2006, the Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine
Emission Regulations will introduce the first emission standards for
compression-ignition engines (typically diesel-fuelled) in various off-road
equipment used mostly in the mining, forestry, construction, and farming
sectors.
These Regulations are also an initiative under Project Green, a set
of policies and programs aimed at supporting a sustainable environment,
healthy population and competitive economy. Project Green addresses environmental
and competitiveness issues for the 21st century including measures to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to increase fuel and energy efficiency
and to increase Canadian and foreign markets for environment technologies
can drive our economy and protect our environment and health. Through
Project Green’s policies and programs, Canada can set an international
example by developing effective model solutions for the long-term health
of the planet.
Related Document :
Project Green Web site
For more information, please contact:
André Lamarre
Communications Director
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Sébastien Bois
Media Relations
Environment Canada
(819) 953-4016
