The federal government has proposed new fuel efficiency regulations for passenger vehicles and light trucks for model years 2017 and beyond.
In a November 27, 2012 announcement by Environment Minister Peter Kent, he said cars rolling off the line in 2025 will produce almost 50 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions and consume up to 50 per cent less fuel than 2008 models.
Kent said the improved fuel efficiency is expected to save Canadians upwards of $900 in fuel costs per year, per car, while reducing greenhouse gases by 162 megatonnes between 2017 and 2025.
“By building on regulations currently in place for model years 2011 to 2016, we will generate tremendous benefits — for the environment, for consumers and for the economy,” Kent announced.
The new regulations align Canada with the recent changes made to U.S. fuel efficiency legislation.
These proposed regulations are the latest step in the government’s sector-by-sector approach to reducing greenhouse gases. Canada’s overall climate change strategy is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020.
Kent said the fuel efficiency regulations will be finalized in 2013.