No. H 013/08
For release - January 23, 2008
CONSULTATIONS BEGIN FOR CANADA'S FIRST MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL CONSUMPTION REGULATIONS
OTTAWA — Transport Canada is reminding Canadians that consultations for the country's first motor vehicle fuel consumption regulations have begun, as announced on January 17, 2008 by the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the transportation sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada and for the first time the government will regulate the fuel consumption of cars and light trucks, beginning with the 2011 model year.
Consultations on the development of the fuel consumption regulations will include provinces and territories, the automotive industry, environmental non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders. A short issue brief has been developed to inform these consultations. The issue brief, "A Better Canada — A Cleaner Environment: Development of Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption Regulations," is available at www.tc.gc.ca/pol/en/environment/FuelConsumption/index.html.
All interested parties are encouraged to review the brief and submit their views in writing to Transport Canada no later than March 15, 2008, to Brenda Hensler-Hobbs, executive director, Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption Regulations Task Force, at:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Place de Ville, Tower C
Ottawa ON K1A 0N5
e-mail: mvfcrtf@tc.gc.ca
Following consultations, the Government of Canada will publish draft regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I. This will be followed by a 90-day comment and review period to provide a formal opportunity for Canadians to respond. The Government of Canada will then review the comments in order to develop final regulations. These final regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, by the end of 2008. The regulations will come into force for the 2011 model year.
The Government of Canada is serious about tackling climate change, cleaning up the environment and protecting the air Canadians breathe today and for generations to come. Taking concrete action and setting mandatory targets to reduce emissions from major sectors is a key part of the government's work towards delivering real results for all Canadians to clean up our air and tackle climate change.
A backgrounder that provides more information about fuel consumption in Canada is available at www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2008/08-h006e.htm.
- 30 -
Contacts:
Karine White
Office of the Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa
613-991-0700
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
