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News Release

For immediate release
December 31, 2006

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT FULFILLS CLEAN AIR RESOLUTION
As Of January 1, 2007 Gasoline Sold In Ontario Will Contain An Average of 5% Ethanol

TORONTO - The McGuinty government is fulfilling a clean air commitment made in November 2004, when Premier Dalton McGuinty announced a renewable fuels standard, requiring an annual average of five per cent ethanol in gasoline by 2007. The new regulation is a part of this government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air
quality.

“For Ontario drivers this means they can feel better about their environmental footprint.
Making sure that Ontarians are purchasing gasoline that is less harmful to our environment is an important step forward in this government’s ongoing commitment to improving the air for our families and for generations to come,” said Environment Minister Laurel Broten.

Ethanol-blended gasoline will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 800,000 tonnes annually, which is equivalent to the emissions produced by 200,000 cars. Ethanol is cleaner burning than gasoline and is made from renewable resources such as corn and wheat. Ethanol also contains oxygen, and this increases the combustion efficiency of fuels, resulting in reduced exhaust emissions.

Beatrice Olivastri, CEO of Friends of the Earth Canada, is supportive: “Ontario used to have the dirtiest gasoline in Canada. Ethanol-blended gasoline is an important step towards cleaner, greener fuel. By adding an incentive for cellulosic ethanol, they’re paving the way for added benefits for the environment.”

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Contact information for media:
John Steele, (416) 314-6666 Ministry of the Environment	Anne O’Hagan, (416) 325-5809 Minister’s Office
Contact information for the general public: 416-325-4000 or 1-800-565-4923/ www.ene.gov.on.ca