LET'S DRIVE GREEN Clinics

How would you like Environment Canada to come to your city and conduct a free vehicle emissions clinic?

Every summer, trained staff from Environment Canada work alongside local groups to bring two or three day emissions clinics to communities all across the country. At these clinics a free tailpipe emissions test is provided for motorists, along with helpful tips on how to keep the emissions level low for the life of your vehicle.

These clinics are meant to inform drivers on the harmful effects of vehicle emissions on both your health and your environment since the vehicles we drive are one of the largest sources of emissions that lead to smog formation and climate change.

The hot and hazy days of summer can also mean it's smog season. The thick, yellowish haze that can hang over our skylines is smog, and it's affecting our health. Smog can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. As levels increase, smog can cause more serious health problems such as asthma attacks, bronchitis, coughing, chest pain and decreased lung function. Crops, trees and other vegetation are also affected.

Climate change is an increasingly important environmental issue and with Canada's recent, and much publicized, commitment to ratify the Kyoto protocol and subsequent release of the government of Canada's "Climate Change Plan", the climate change issue is on the minds of all Canadians. Climate change is the human-induced enhancing of the warming capability of the earth's natural greenhouse effect. It has the potential to warm the planet at a rate that has never been experienced in human history. Any vehicle that operates on gasoline or any other fossil fuel creates greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change, in large quantities.

Most certainly, if we are to properly address the environmental impact of transportation, the average vehicle user - That's You! - must also play a large role in reducing emissions. One way you can do this is to come on out and have your tailpipe emissions checked and see how healthy your vehicle is. You can also talk to us about how you as a driver can reduce the impact that you and your vehicle have with advice ranging from every day driving tips to information that can help you choose a more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle for your next purchase. Even something as simple as having your tire pressures checked can have a significant impact, we'll do this for you!

All across Canada each summer, Environment Canada in conjunction with a local host, hold clinics where motorists can have check-ups on their vehicle's tailpipe emissions, tire pressures and gas cap seal and receive valuable information and advice on reducing their impact on the environment. Learn more about what exactly goes on at a clinic. Coming out to one of EC's vehicle emission inspection clinics (VEIC) in your area can help you reduce your air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions which protects the environment, protects our health and improves our air quality.

Partners, ranging from local ENGO's and local government to National organizations and industry, all over the country help Environment Canada deliver the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Clinic Program each summer, and this year is no exception. Click here for more info about becoming a partner/host.

No Fees... No Fines! is meant to remind motorists that clinics are free and there is no fine or penalty of any sort for vehicles that fail. For a vehicle that does fail the emissions test, a visual inspection of the vehicle's pollution control devices is performed. Such equipment, when operating properly, significantly reduces the emissions contributing to smog, acid rain and climate change.