By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, May 21 -- The Canadian government, seeking to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and reduce fuel costs, is sponsoring a $1.4-million (Can.) pilot program in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia to encourage the use of on-road vehicles powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is funding the pilot project, which the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicles Alliance (CNGVA) will implement, offering fleet managers $3,000 toward the purchase of each CNG vehicle.
The project is the first initiative funded under the $9.9-million Natural Gas for Vehicles measure announced in Canada's 2003 federal budget. The initiative will enable NRCan to explore both the opportunities and obstacles inherent in CNG vehicle use in the commercial fleet sector, particularly in urban areas. It also will provide data for developing a successful program for the long term.
"This incentive program will build on the success of programs like the Toronto Better Transportation Partnership that have realized significant reductions in fleet emissions," stated John Finch, president and CEO of CNGVA.
In addition, the pilot project will investigate issues such as a made-in-Canada emissions verification system and the regulation of modified CNG vehicles, which NTCan said produce 21% fewer GHG emissions than those fueled by conventional gasoline.
