2007/15 (a)

BACKGROUNDER

ecoENERGY for Fleets - A truckload of environmental benefits

Canada has one of the best highway systems in the world, an important part of keeping Canada competitive in a fast-paced global economy. The commercial freight moving along our highways keeps our economy rolling, but is also a major contributor to the emissions that put our environment and our health at risk.

In fact, the commercial highway freight sector is responsible for close to 10 percent of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. With the launch of the ecoENERGY for Fleets Initiative, Canada's New Government is fulfilling its commitment to work with all Canadians to take real action on priority concerns like climate change and clean air.

Working with both operators and managers of Canada's commercial road vehicle fleets, the ecoENERGY for Fleets Initiative will benefit trucking companies and other commercial and institutional fleet operations by helping them cut their fuel costs, reducing harmful emissions at the same time.

Natural Resources Canada will manage the $22 million, four-year program, which emphasizes information-sharing and education to help commercial and institutional vehicle fleets increase their fuel efficiency.

Along with the latest developments in fleet and fuel management, ecoENERGY for Fleets will also help ensure fleet vehicle owners and managers are aware of the fuel efficiency benefits of new and developing technologies. On the education side of the initiative, it's expected that more than 200,000 professional drivers ― of heavy trucks, buses, construction and other vehicles ― will receive training in energy efficient vehicle operating techniques over the next four years.

The ecoENERGY for Fleets Initiative is just one part of the ambitious and realistic agenda of Canada's New Government to protect the health of Canadians and the environment in Canada, and demonstrates that this Government understands the importance of addressing climate change.

For more information, media may contact:

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.