Transport Minister Cannon Proposing Improved Fuel Economy Standards for Cars

By THE CANADIAN PRESS

MONTREAL – The federal government has announced a proposal to improve fuel-economy standards on vehicles by 2020.

Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon said Thursday the government will consult the automotive industry on ways to improve fuel-efficiency standards.

“Our government recognizes the transportation sector is one of the largest sources of greenhouse-gas and air-pollutant emissions in Canada and that is why we are taking action now,” Cannon said at the Montreal Auto Show.

“The U.S. Congress has recently set an ambitious target of 35 miles per gallon, or 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres, for the average fuel economy of new vehicles sold in 2020.

“Now, we welcome the U.S. goal but are committed to developing a made-in-Canada standard that achieves, at minimum, that target benchmarked against a stringent dominant North American standard.”

The Sierra Club of Canada blasted the announcement and said the government has missed an opportunity for real action.

“Canadians shouldn’t be made to wait another 12 years to see improvements in fuel efficiency,” said spokeswoman Emilie Moorhouse.

“Such a delay would cost irreparable damage to our climate and cost Canadians billions more in gas.”

The Sierra Club said Cannon’s announcement contrasts sharply with the leadership shown by Quebec and other provinces and states, who have pledged to adopt California standards for cars.

California is aiming to attain an average of 35 miles a gallon by 2016.

“Canada should lead the way, not drag the leaders down,” said Jean Langlois, the Sierra Club’s national campaigns director.

“Constant delay already means that North America is 15 years behind Europe and Japan in regulating fuel efficiency standards.”