19/10/2005 – The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, and the Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh, Minister of Health, announced today final regulations to significantly reduce sulphur levels in diesel fuel used for rail, marine and other off-road purposes such as construction, agricultural and industrial equipment.

“These regulatory measures are part of our overall agenda for making fuels and vehicles cleaner in order to protect human health and the environment,” said Minister Dion. “The overall clean air plan for North America aims for delivery of less polluting vehicles and engines, expanded pollutant reporting by industry and reduced emissions from industry.”

Since 2001, regulations have been implemented to cut down engine emissions of many pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds that come from on- and off-road vehicles, engines and the fuels that power them.

“These regulations set stringent new Canadian standards aligned with U.S. requirements,” added the Minister, “and by promoting the competitiveness of Canada’s refining industry, the approach is aligned under the Government of Canada’s Project Green, the broad environmental vision that links Canada’s economic competitiveness and prosperity to a sustainable future.” The regulations introduce controls on sulphur in non-road diesel fuel from the current unregulated level to a 500 milligrams per kilogram (mg / kg) limit in 2007 and a 15 mg/kg limit starting in 2010. This will result in about a 99% reduction in four years from the current, unregulated average level of sulphur in non-road diesel fuel.

“The action taken with this regulation and the other major initiatives to reduce air pollution from the combustion of fossil fuels provide health benefits, especially for those who suffer from high levels of air pollution," said Minister Dosanjh.

The two-phase target approach to reducing the sulphur limit as set out in the regulations is required to meet the industry standards. The 15 mg/kg limit in 2010 ensures that the level of sulphur in diesel fuel reaches the standards for the effective operation of new generation low emission diesel engines for off-road construction, mining, farming and forestry equipment coming onto the market in model year 2011.

The Government of Canada’s comprehensive 10 year Federal Agenda for Cleaner Vehicles, Engines and Fuels sets out a plan of actions to reduce emissions from these sources. For example, Canada’s Sulphur in Diesel Fuel Regulations were published in July 2002. These regulations limit the level of sulphur in diesel fuel used in on road vehicles to 500 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg). Starting in 2006, the allowable limit for on road diesel vehicles will be reduced to 15 mg/kg. This will lead to substantial reductions in emissions of sulphur and particulate matter, thus helping to address air quality in Canada and protect the health of Canadians.

Further, tighter standards are being phased-in under the On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations to reduce smog-forming emissions from 2004 and later model year on-road vehicles. The Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations came into effect on January 1, 2005 and, for the first time, establish emission standards for new spark-ignition engines (typically gasoline-fuelled) found in lawn and garden machines, in light-duty industrial machines, and in light-duty logging machines. As well, beginning in 2006, the Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations will introduce the first emission standards for compression-ignition engines (typically diesel-fuelled) in various off-road equipment used mostly in the mining, forestry, construction, and farming sectors.

These Regulations are also an initiative under Project Green, a set of policies and programs aimed at supporting a sustainable environment, healthy population and competitive economy. Project Green addresses environmental and competitiveness issues for the 21st century including measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to increase fuel and energy efficiency and to increase Canadian and foreign markets for environment technologies can drive our economy and protect our environment and health. Through Project Green’s policies and programs, Canada can set an international example by developing effective model solutions for the long-term health of the planet.