Environment and Climate Change Canada introduces Phase II Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine GHG Regs

August 2018

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published the Gazette II notice for Phase II Heavy-duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations. The objective of the Regulations made Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) is to reduce GHG emissions in Canada from new on-road heavy-duty vehicles, engines and trailers by establishing more stringent emission standards to help protect Canadians and the environment.

Phase II introduces more stringent GHG emission standards that begin with the 2021 model year for on-road heavy-duty vehicles and engines. Further, Phase II introduces new GHG emission standards that apply to trailers hauled by on-road transport tractors for which the manufacture is completed on or after January 1, 2020. These emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles, engines and trailers increase in stringency up to the 2027 model year and maintain full stringency thereafter.

Most of the Phase II regulations are in alignment with the final U.S. Phase 2 standards introduced last year, however accommodations have been made by ECCC for truck tractors to address the specific operating weights in Canada by adding additional tractor categories.

“The additional tractor weight categories contained in this regulation is a welcome inclusion and acknowledges the specific Canadian operating weights and the benefits from a fleet efficiency standpoint that has evolved in Canadian industry over the past 40 or so years,” says Stephen Laskowski, CTA’s CEO and president.

For trailers, phase II introduces new standards which takes into account technologies installed on trailers to reduce GHG emissions, such as devices to reduce aerodynamic drag, low rolling resistance tires, lightweight components, and tire pressure monitoring and automatic tire inflation systems.

Issues CTA will continue to work on with ECCC over the coming months relates to the applicability of limp mode, the issue of warrantees for emissions related equipment, and ensuring in future equipment destined for Canadian operating conditions is tested prior to being required, something the department was asked to address with CTA by the Senate.

CTA will provide a more detailed analysis of the Phase II GHG regulations in the coming weeks to its membership and will be hosting additional outreach with ECCC in early summer to go over the details of the new regulations. Further details will be available shortly on the outreach opportunities.