Natural Resources Canada
2005/72
September 14, 2005

Canada—U.S. Freight Partnership to Save Fuel, Reduce Greenhouse Gases

DETROIT — Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will work jointly with North American freight and shipping industries to take voluntary actions to save fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants.

NRCan and the EPA signed an agreement today to cooperate and share information on research, development and projects to achieve these goals. Better fuel efficiency and lower emissions that will result from this joint effort will improve energy security and public health in both countries.

"This agreement allows our two countries and the North American freight and shipping industries to address the problem of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change much more effectively than we can individually," said the Honourable R. John Efford, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. "Moreover, this kind of cooperation will bring real energy, economic and environmental benefits."

"By working together, the agencies better leverage public resources and present a much-welcomed unified program for the freight industry," said EPA Acting Assistant Administrator Bill Wehrum. "We'll get even more impressive environmental and public health benefits, while helping the freight industry save on fuel costs. It's a 'win' any way you look at it."

NRCan and the EPA will initially coordinate numerous cross-border emissions projects, including engine-idling reduction from trucks crossing the Canada–U.S. border, joint clean-technology promotions and demonstrations, and truck driver training and awareness programs.

The two organizations have unique but complementary approaches to saving fuel and reducing emissions. NRCan's FleetSmart program is an educational and training-based initiative that focuses on fuel-efficient driver behaviour. EPA's SmartWay Transport^® Partnership emphasizes the use of innovative technology by rail and heavy-duty fleets. Blending the two will benefit the North American freight and shipping industries.

Additional information on the FleetSmart Program is available at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/fleetsmart.cfm and on the SmartWay Transport Partnership at http://www.epa.gov/smartway.

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 produce long-term and enduring results while maintaining a strong and growing economy.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Natural Resources Canada and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have signed an agreement to share information on improving fuel efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases and pollutants in the shipping and freight industries. The agreement will allow for the joint development of more fuel-efficient technologies and reduce the amount of emissions released into the environment.

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