CCME Task Force on Cleaner Vehicles, Engines and Fuels

In November, 1994 the CCME established a Task Force on Cleaner Vehicles and Fuels to develop options on a national approach to new vehicle emission and efficiency standards and fuel reformulations for Canada, recognizing regional/urban realities. On October 23, 1995 the Council of Ministers endorsed the report of its task force and agreed to work on implementing the recommendations. The report calls for tougher national standards for vehicles and fuels, so as to reduce pollution from automobiles. It also calls for action to improve fuel efficiency and to promote advanced technology and alternatively fueled vehicles. In addition, the report recognizes the importance of inspection and maintenance programs to ensure emission control systems are in good working order.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

1. Introduction

• 1.1 The Problem -- Why Act Now?
• 1.2 Motor Vehicle Emissions and Air Quality
• 1.3 Moving Forward -- Canadian Action
• 1.4 Considerations
• 1.5 Benefits and Costs

  

2. Recommendations on Cleaner Vehicles

The Task Force made the following three recommendations on cleaner
vehicles, including alternatively-fuelled vehicles.

• 2.1 National Vehicle Emission Standards
• 2.2 Alternative Transportation Fuels and Advanced Technology Vehicles
• 2.3 Other Programs for Vehicles

  

3. Recommendation on Fuel Efficiency

One of the actions identified in Canada's National Action Program on Climate Change, was that Canada will encourage and implement opportunities to reduce energy consumption and emissions released in transporting people and goods. Improved efficiency of energy use in light duty vehicles can be an important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as emissions affecting local air quality. Such improvements can be realized most cost-effectively through a balanced approach aimed at vehicle owners and operators as well as vehicle technology.

Recognizing the federal-provincial nature of the proposed balanced approach to improving energy efficiency, the NAICC would be the appropriate body for coordinating the following recommended initiatives and programs.

The Task Force made the following recommendation on fuel efficiency
standards for vehicles.

• 3.1 Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

  

4. Recommendations on Cleaner Transportation Fuels

Changes in fuel parameters can result in significant and immediate reductions in emissions of various pollutants from vehicles. Control of certain fuel parameters is also essential for vehicle emission control technology to function as designed. It should be noted that reformulating fuels requires additional refinery processing, with possible increases in local refinery emissions. Although these increased emissions would be small, remediation measures might be warranted if they have some impact on local air quality. For example, some refiners may have to install equipment in order to meet refinery emission limits for sulphur dioxide.

The Task Force believed that Canadian transportation fuels should be
reformulated, and it made the following two recommendations.

• 4.1 National Standard for Low-sulphur Diesel
• 4.2 National Environmental Standard for Gasoline

  

5. Recommendation on the Process for Decisions on Internal Combustion Engine and Fuels Standards

The Task Force made the following recommendation on the process for
decisions on internal combustion engine and fuels standards.

• 5.1 On-going Process

  

6. Conclusions

The work of the Task Force covered a wide range of issues relating to cleaner vehicles and fuels. It narrowed the range of reasonable solutions. The Task Force found that, when implemented, the recommendations would result in lower emissions of pollutants from vehicles, and thus improved air quality for all Canadians.

• 6.1 Areas Requiring Additional Work

Attachments

• Attachment 1: Task Force's Terms of Reference
• Attachment 2: Task Force's Reporting Structure
• Attachment 3: List of Stakeholders
• Attachment 4: Recommendations and Interim Findings of the Interim Report