CTA's David Bradley and Environment Minister Peter Kent listen to Norm Sneyd of Bison.

TORONTO — Environment Canada's recent announcement of new Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emissions regulations is "a step in the right direction," the Canadian Trucking Alliance said in a statement released late today.

The regulations were announced Monday at Bison Transport's Mississauga yard by Environment Minister Peter Kent.

“The economic interests of the trucking industry are more aligned with society’s expectations in terms of the environment than ever before," said CTA president and CEO David Bradley. "With diesel fuel prices as high as they are, it makes sense that fuel efficiency, which is the way to reduce GHG, is a priority for the industry."

And while there is no question that the CTA is supporting the new regulations — which they see as "practical and effective measures" — they would like to see a labelling requirement included "so truck buyers would know which units were 'GHG compliant'.”

“The federal government could also introduce accelerated capital cost allowance rates to accelerate the penetration of these vehicles into the fleet,” Bradley noted.

The CTA would like complementary measures extended beyond the tractor.

The Alliance said they would also like to see a program of complementary measures, such as repayable grants and tax credits, for proven fuel economy devices and technologies extended to the entire tractor-trailer combination.

During the announcement on Monday, Environment Minister Peter Kent was given a brief tour of a Bison Transport tractor-trailer decked out with all the latest fuel economy devices.

“CTA understands the EPA/DOT is considering a regulation covering trailers and given Canada’s current policy of alignment with the United States, it is likely that Canada would move in this direction as well,” says Bradley. “However, given the different weights and dimensions regimes that exist between the two countries, the trailer regulation will be a much more complex matter.”

The CTA said that they don't expect the new regulations to place undue stress on either the heavy truck manufacturers or motor carriers.