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NGV Working with Government for the Environment
Enbridge Gas Distribution has worked closely with all levels of government to promote the purchase of NGVs as part of their fleet procurement programs, and supporting by-laws, policies and
licensing for public transportation that encourage the use of environmentally superior low emission
vehicles. The following initiatives reflect the growing interest in taking responsibility for the air
quality in our communities.
As part of a billion dollar Climate Change Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emmissions, the government has pledged $9.9 million to reduce the cost of NGVs in urban fleets, such as taxis and delivery trucks. The intent is to help increase demand for these lower-emitting vehicles.
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Natural Resources Canada's support for Natural Gas vehicles includes contributions to: Car/Truck
dealerships for selling factory NGVs, end use customers that purchase NGVs or install aftermarket conversion
systems, and Natural Gas Station developers who build a Natural Gas refuelling facility for public use or
private on-site vehicles.
The Ontario Government supports the use of Natural Gas Vehicles through 2 incentive programs
- a $1000 Provincial Sales Tax rebate on the purchase of,
or conversion to, a natural gas vehicle within 180 days of ownership and, a
rebate of all the PST for natural gas powered buses.
The Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) has changed the process for granting licenses to
Taxis, Limos and Airport Shuttle Buses to include an advantage to environmentally friendly vehicle
proposals. Mono fuel natural gas vehicles are given higher values than other vehicle fuels in
determining who should receive the strongly sought after license.
The City of Toronto's "Greenfleet Procurement" policy of buying green products where available
and where financially feasible has led to large-scale factory-built natural gas vehicle orders. The
Better Transportation Partnership (BTP) approved by Toronto City Council provides capital from Enbridge
Gas Distribution to buy one additional light duty factory-built NGV for every four additional NGV's
purchased by the City and fuel savings from these five NGV's repay that initial capital.
The Toronto Taxi Reform provides an incentive to taxi operators to operate their vehicles on
mono fuel (dedicated) natural gas allowing these clean air cabs to stay on the road for seven model
years of age vs. five for their gasoline counterparts. Hundreds of taxis are now reducing CO2
emissions as well as reducing ground ozone formation.
The CNGVA's 8-Point Clean Air Plan for Ontario
The Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance proposes an 8-point Clean Air Plan for Ontario to help the government meet its clean air agenda. The plan is reasonable and affordable. Moreover, because NGVs are available today, the government can begin implementing this plan today.
The CNGVA's 8-Point Clean Air Plan for Ontario
- Increase the PST rebate from $1000 to $2000 for NGVs and Hydrogen vehicles.
- Continue the Transit Incentive for Alternative Fueled Transit Buses initiated in 2003.
- Tie the use of alternative fuel vehicles in municipalities to provincial funding programs, cost-sharing arrangements and grants.
- Establish programs to utilize alternative fuels for
- School Buses
- Airport Vehicles
- All municipal heavy vehicles (sweepers, garbage trucks, fire engines, etc.)
- All other municipal cars and light trucks
- High mileage Province of Ontario cars and trucks
- Develop "rate-base friendly" Ontario Energy Board intiatives for NGVs
- Allow access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes for NGVs and Hydrogen vehicles
- No-charge vehicle registration for NGVs and Hydrogen vehicles
- Free entry to Ontario's parks and recreation areas for NGVs and Hydrogen vehicles
The CNGVA's 8-Point Clean Air Plan for Ontario is aimed at building a cleaner, healthier and stronger Ontario. The additional environment, health and economic benefits created in Ontario by undertaking measures that expand the use of NGV far outweigh the cost of doing so. Accordingly, the industry urges the Government of Ontario to strongly support alternative fuelled vehicles.
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NGV and the Environment 
