Location: Ministry Home > News > 2003 News Releases > News Release

News Archive

NEWS RELEASE

For immediate release
April 25, 2003

EVES GOVERNMENT MOVES TO CUT TRUCK AND BUS POLLUTION

TORONTO - Heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses on Ontario highways must meet the strictest exhaust emissions standards in North America beginning next year, Environment Minister Chris Stockwell announced today.

"Ontario's Drive Clean's program of emissions tests for heavy-duty vehicles is a proven success," Stockwell said. "But we can do better. Our citizens deserve better air quality and need to be protected from the harmful effects of vehicle emissions."

Stockwell said that a recent independent analysis of Drive Clean's heavy-duty vehicle emissions tests determined that, in 2000 and 2001, particulate matter emissions from heavy-duty vehicles were reduced by 898 tonnes, or 18 per cent. This is more than double the target set when heavy-duty vehicle emissions tests were introduced to reduce particulate matter by 220 tonnes per year.

The government is proposing that the standards for all heavy-duty vehicles be tightened in two stages, in April 2004 and again in April 2005. There will continue to be two emissions standards in place each year for heavy-duty diesel vehicles, based on their age. Beginning in 2004, school buses will have to meet the stricter of the two standards, regardless of age.

"These new standards will ensure that more vehicles with emissions problems are identified and required to be repaired," said Stockwell. "By and large, school bus operators take good care of their vehicles and we will now have added insurance that young children are being protected from harmful diesel exhaust fumes."

However, heavy-duty vehicle owners are being provided with an incentive to achieve emissions levels even lower than the tightened Drive Clean standards. Currently, heavy-duty diesel vehicles are tested annually, but attaining a new, very-clean mark will allow the vehicles to only be tested every two years, as are light-duty vehicles.

"This initiative complements the introduction of cleaner running heavy-duty engines and fuels and the pursuit of improved energy efficiency," said David Bradley, president of the Ontario Trucking Association. "By creating the opportunity to reduce the frequency of the mandatory periodic emissions tests for vehicles passing a tougher standard, this initiative also provides an even stronger incentive for truck and bus operators to ensure their vehicles run clean."

Stockwell said that the improvements follow an extensive review of the heavy-duty vehicle program that included the evaluation of the program's success and consultation with the Drive Clean Multi-stakeholder Advisory Council. The council is made up of representatives of health and environmental organizations, the trucking industry, automotive, consumer and business interests, Drive Clean facilities and a private citizen.

"Drive Clean is one of the most successful programs in North America," said Ken Ogilvie, president of Pollution Probe. "As chair of the Multi-stakeholder Advisory Council, I was pleased to see members working together to provide input into this excellent initiative which will result in cleaner air."

A proposal for improvements to the Drive Clean regulations for heavy-duty vehicles under the Environmental Protection Act and the Highway Traffic Act are posted on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry for 30 days for public comment.

– 30 –

For further information on Drive Clean, please call 1-888-758-2999 (toll-free) or visit www.driveclean.com

Contacts:
Mark Rabbior
Communications Branch
(416) 314-6084

Contacts:
Diana Arajs
Minister's Office
(416) 314-6736

Disponible en français