VANCOUVER | TRADITIONAL, UNCEDED TERRITORIES OF THE xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (MUSQUEAM), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (SQUAMISH) AND səlilwətaɬ (TSLEIL-WAUTUTH) FIRST NATIONS — Today’s announcement by the U.S. government on tightening vehicle emissions standards is welcome news for Canada’s efforts to transition to 100 per cent electric vehicles.
The introduction of stringent emissions standards sends a strong economic signal to the automotive industry in North America, including Canada. The U.S. standard is expected to be adopted “by reference” in Canada.
In terms of reducing emissions from the highly polluting transportation sector, Canada’s zero-emissions sales target is even more ambitious and provides a pathway to 100 per cent zero-emissions vehicle sales by 2035. This sales target will allow Canada to most effectively reduce emissions and transition to zero-emissions vehicles independently of swings in standards that may come from the U.S.
While stringent, the U.S. standards announced today retain loopholes that favour larger, less energy-efficient vehicles such as SUVs. Because 80 per cent of new vehicles sold in North America are SUVs, these loopholes may undermine efficiency gains in both electric and gas-powered motors.
The Canadian government must now ensure that both regulations (the ZEV sales targets and vehicle emissions standards) work in harmony to have the most impact on reducing emissions and avoiding the possibility of double crediting.
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For more information or a media interview:
Theresa Beer, tbeer@davidsuzuki.org, 778-874-3396