Proposed Regulation to Reduce Harmful Air Emissions From Off-Road Diesel Engines Published for Public Comment

 OTTAWA, October 13, 2004 - The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, today announced a draft regulation to significantly reduce sulphur levels in diesel fuel used for rail, marine and off-road purposes (construction, agricultural and industrial equipment). These proposed regulatory measures, under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, October 2, 2004 for a 60-day public comment period. They are expected to become final in early 2005 and come into affect in 2007.

"These measures are part of our overall agenda for making fuels and vehicles cleaner" said Minister Dion. "We need the cleaner fuels for the cleaner engines planned for North America. These regulatory measures are being put in place to protect human health and the environment".

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, small and large engines and the fuels that power them.

The Canadian regulations will match U.S. requirements, namely a significant reduction in sulphur in diesel levels from the current unregulated level to 500 parts per million by 2007 and 15 parts per million by 2012. This is about a 99% reduction in eight years.

The new generation low emission engines for off-road construction, mining, farming and forestry equipment, coming onto the market in model year 2006, need the low sulphur diesel fuel.

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. Through this plan, Environment Canada has implemented regulations to improve the quality of almost all types of fuels. For example, regulations to reduce the average level of sulphur in Canadian gasoline came into effect in 2002. These regulations will achieve a 90 per cent reduction in sulphur levels commencing in 2005, and are among the world's most stringent in terms of both level and timing.

Furthermore, Canada's Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations were passed in June 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.

For further information, please contact:

André Lamarre
Communications Director Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441

Sébastien Bois
Media Relations
(819) 953-4016

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