B.C. premier promises California-style emissions rules

VANCOUVER (June 4) — Premier Glen Clark said British Columbia is committed to adopting California’s emissions standards for cars and trucks, regarded as the toughest in North America.

“We owe it to our children to bring in the toughest possible air quality standards and alternative transportation now for clean air tomorrow,” said Clark, marking B.C.’s eighth annual Clean Air Day. “My commitment is to the quality of air they breathe, and the healthy future of the province’s children.”

In September, California is expected to legislate tailpipe emission standards for new vehicles that will go into effect in 2004. Clark wants new California-based standards for vehicles sold in B.C. to come into effect for the 2001 model year. The new standards are designed to reduce nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, which form smog.

California’s regulatory package takes aim at minivans, pickup trucks, and sport-utility vehicles by requiring vehicles up to 8500 pounds gross vehicle weight to reduce emissions to passenger car levels by 2007.

The regulations, known as Low Emission Vehicle II (LEV II), will run from 2004 through 2010. Existing LEV regulations, which expire in 2003, allow heavier mini vans, pickup trucks and SUVs to have emission levels up to three times greater than passenger cars.

California also proposes to lower nitrogen oxide standards for low and ultra-low emission vehicles by 75%, and the creation of partial zero-emission vehicle credits for vehicles that achieve near-zero emissions, such as hybrids, fuel cells, and cars meeting the new super ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV) standard.

Clark indicated that the British Columbia government is committed to encouraging increased use of zero-emission vehicles like those using fuel cell technology developed by Ballard Power, which is based in the Vancouver area.

“We’ll be talking to stakeholders and the public to help us determine the specifics of these regulations that will be best for B.C.,” said Clark.