ON: Environmental Registry of Ontario: Redesigning Ontario’s Drive Clean Vehicle Emission Testing

On September 28, 2018, the Ontario government posted a policy proposal to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) file #013-3867 to make changes to the Drive Clean Program and redesign emission testing requirements for heavy-duty vehicles.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is seeking public input on the proposed changes, including:

1. Winding-down the light-duty vehicle emissions testing requirements
2. Redesigning the heavy-duty vehicle emissions testing program
3. Strengthening the on-road enforcement of emissions standards for both light and heavy-duty vehicles

There are several proposed changes to the heavy-duty vehicle emission testing program with the most relevant for the propane industry being:

• providing industry incentives to companies who consistently demonstrate cleaner fleets.
• a mandatory test of a vehicle’s on-board diagnostic (OBD).
• increased enforcement of existing anti-tampering restrictions.
• strengthen on-road enforcement to ensure vehicles are not polluting.

Overall purpose of the proposal:

• Ensuring the protection of Ontario’s air quality with an effective program that provides values for taxpayers
• Reducing human exposure to dangerous diesel emissions, including particulates, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons and other pollutants
• Achieving full compliance by the on-road heavy duty vehicle fleet with the Ontario Environmental Protection Act
• Creating a fair level playing field where all industry partners contribute to reducing heavy duty diesel emissions and improving air quality

The 30-day comment period closes on October 28, 2018.

The CPA is working with the senior government officials to advance market development opportunities for auto-propane, including the creation of a commercial vehicle incentive program and promoting the propane advantage to support the provincial government’s objectives to protect air quality and reduce exposure to harmful emissions.

For more information please contact, Hando Kang, Regional Director, Ontario, at handokang@propane.ca or 647.881.1483.