Environmental Quality Branch
VEHICLE EMISSIONS

1. Tax Incentives
This bulletin describes the provincial-sales and motor-fuels-tax concessions available for hybrid and
alternative-fuel vehicles and alternative fuels.

2. General Information
Smog: an indicator of potential air quality health risk
in the Lower Fraser Valley (Environment Canada)
July 2000
Smog
is a potential risk to health in the Lower Fraser Valley. This report is one of the Environmental Indicators of Environment Canada's Pacific and Yukon Region. It provides a detailed
explanation of what smog is, the health and other risks.The report also discusses what is being done to combat this major air quality problem.
Clean Air Fact Sheets (Environment
Canada)
April 2004
These fact sheets cover a range of clean air topics, related to smog and vehicle emissions:

Environment Canada's "Clean Air Website" Banner

No Room to Breathe: Photochemical Smog and Ground-Level Ozone
August 1992
Photochemical smog occurs in the lower portion of our atmosphere, and is mainly produced by vehicle
emissions. Its main unhealthy ingredient is "ground-level ozone." This brochure describes what smog is, how it affects our health, and how you can become part of the solution.
Since this brochure was written, the provincial government and the Greater Vancouver Regional District have initiated strong measures to address
smog, such as the Clean Vehicles and Fuels Program.
Ground-level Ozone throughout Canada: National Indicators (Government
of Canada)
2006
Environmental indicators are measuring sticks that can track the results that have been achieved by governments, industries and individuals to protect
and improve the environment. The federal AIR indicator focuses on ground-level ozone in Canadian cities.The national seasonal average concentration of ozone increased 16% from 1990 to
2003.

3. Clean Vehicles and Fuels
NEW B.C. Expands Program to Scrap Inefficient Vehicles
March 2008
The Province is investing $15 million to enhance and expand the successful Scrap-It program across British Columbia, providing strong incentives to take old vehicles
with higher greenhouse gas emissions off the road.
Clean Air Toolkit: A Guide for Cleaner Air
The Clean Air Toolkit is designed to help local government develop programs to reduce emissions, such as vehicle exhaust and smoke. It's a joint initiative
of the Ministry of Environment, BC Transit and Environment Canada.
Ministry of Environment's Work Bike Policy
August 2006
The
ministry has adopted a formal, work bike policy that encourages staff, on a voluntary basis, to use bicycles for travel on government business whenever it is cost effective. The policy
supports the ministry's mandate to improve local air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also supports the ActNow! BC goal of
increased physical fitness.

Hybrid Vehicles
to Be Added to Province's Fleet, and Tax Relief for Hybrids
March 2005
The Province will add up to 356 gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles to the government fleet, in order
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as other air pollutants. The government aims to have 30% of the government fleet made up of green vehicles by 2008. Also, the government
announced in this year's budget speech a three-year tax relief for people buying hybrid vehicles: a savings of up to $2,000 in PST. Both actions are part of B.C.'s climate change plan,
entitled Weather, Climate and the Future: B.C.'s Plan.
News Release: 356 Vehicles
Added to B.C.'s Green Fleet
(24 KB / 1 page)
Backgrounder: Advantages
of Increasing B.C.'s Hybrid Fleet
(31 KB / 1 page)


The Hybrid Experience Report (Fraser
Basin Council, Fleet Challenge BC)
2004
Hybrid electric vehicles (hybrids) are a new technology that combines the internal combustion engine
of a conventional vehicle with a rechargeable battery and electric motor. The Hybrid Experience Report documents the real-world performance of 100 hybrids. Results include substantially
lower fuel costs and reductions in air pollution. The report includes information and easy-to-use calculators to help buyers make choices based on fuel savings, emission reduction,
and overall cost.

BC Transit Hybrid Bus
Assessment of Incentives for the B.C. Scrap-It Program: Final Report
October 2005
This report evaluates the kinds of incentives that can be used to encourage participation in the Scrap-It Program. The incentives ranking highest are
the electric bicycle, electric vehicle and existing vehicle fix-it program.
AirCare (AirCare site)
This vehicle-emission testing program began operation in the Lower Fraser Valley in September 1992,
and is a crucial weapon in the fight against smog. The program was developed in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and the Greater Vancouver
Regional District. It is now run by Translink.
Eco Travelling (U.K. website)
EcoTravelling.co.uk was formed in late 2005 to offer a unique reference point on environmentally friendly travel. Everywhere we travel we leave a carbon
footprint. The information on this site will help you ensure it's as small and ethical as possible.

4. Technical Reports and Standards
Canada-wide
Standards for PM and Ozone:
Status of Jurisdictional Implementation Planning Activities — British Columbia
November 2006
This provides an overview of B.C.'s progress towards meeting the Canada-wide Standards (CWS)
for particulate matter (PM) and ozone by 2010. It includes a summary of PM and ozone data up to and including 2005, and describes activities underway in support of CWS achievement.
It was released in conjunction with the national document, below. (See also Background Concentrations of PM2.5 and Ozone in British
Columbia, Canada.)
(251 KB / 17 pages)
Canada-wide Standards for Particulate Matter
and Ozone: Five Year Report: 2000-2005 (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment)
November 2006
This is an interim report on progress across the country towards meeting the Canada-wide Standards
for particulate matter and ozone, passed in June 2000. British Columbia's report, above, is linked with the CCME report.
Background Concentrations
of PM2.5 and Ozone in British Columbia, Canada
March 2006
This report describes preliminary estimates of background particulate matter (PM) and ozone levels, based on a review of current literature and available
monitoring data. It also provides recommendations on how refined estimates of background levels may be better determined.
(437 KB / 27 pages)

Data Collection and Analysis of Non-Certified AirCare Repairs
July 2006
This report presents data collected on AirCare-required vehicle repairs that were done at non-certified repair shops (the type, effectiveness and
cost of repairs). This data is valuable in assessing how important non-certified repairs are to the AirCare program and how they compare to certified repairs. The project findings could
result in modified policies pertaining to the repair industry, certification, monitoring and conditional passes.
(83 KB / 16 pages)
B.C. Clean Transportation Analysis Project Final Report
January 2000
This
report examines options for B.C. vehicle tailpipe emission standards for the post-2004 period. Among the factors considered are the vehicle emissions targeted, air quality improvements,
potential health benefits and costs to consumers in the Lower Fraser Valley. It supported a B.C. government decision that US Tier 2 federal standards brought the best air quality benefits
at that time. Canada subsequently adopted those standards and B.C. repealed its outdated Motor Vehicle Emissions Reduction Regulation.
(786 KB / 125 pages)

Motor Vehicle Emissions Reduction Regulation: Review of Issues
and Options
December 1998
This report was prepared to meet the legislative requirement for a review of the effectiveness of B.C.'s
1995 Motor Vehicle Emissions Reduction Regulation. It looks at both the issues and options,and was prepared by an independent consultant, with the Cleaner Technology Vehicles Committee.
(119 KB / 52 pages)

Air Quality Report for British Columbia: Ground-Level Ozone Concentrations (1986-1997)
June 1998
Ground-level ozone concentrations measured at various sites in British Columbia have been summarized
for the period of 1986-1997. The full report is available in PDF. A hard copy of the report may also be obtained by contacting the Environmental Quality Branch. A summary of the findings
is available in the Executive Summary.

Ground-Level Ozone in British Columbia: Status and Trends (B.C.
State of Environment Indicators)
Environmental indicators are measuring sticks
that track the results achieved by governments, industries and individuals to protect and improve the environment. This indicator focuses on the state of ground-level ozone in 2001.
Status Report of the Cleaner Technology Vehicles Committee
May 1998
This is a progress report on how well the July 1996 recommendations and goals set by the Cleaner Technology
Vehicles (CTV) Committee have been met. Government and industry have taken important steps to increase CTV purchase and use in B.C., and enhance the alternative fuel infrastructure.
BC Transit Fuel Choice Study
April 1997
The
purpose of this study was to give the Province of British Columbia and BC Transit enough information to decide on a fuel choice for BC Transit's 1997 bus purchase; and to provide a
framework for future transit fuel choices.
(32 KB / 106 pages)

Estimated Economic Impacts and Market Potential associated with
the Development and Production of Fuel Cells in British Columbia
March 1996
This report reviews the potential markets and estimated economic impacts associated with developing
and producing fuel cells for transportation applications.
B.C. Cleaner Gasolines Study
August 1995
This study evaluates the impact of specifying gasoline composition for the refineries that produce
gasoline for sale in British Columbia.

5. Regulations
Motor Vehicle Emissions
Control Warranty Regulation
April 1996
This regulation prohibits the sale or the making available for sale, of a motor vehicle in British
Columbia unless the manufacturer promises to fix the vehicle free of charge if there are defects in materials or workmanship that cause the vehicle to fail emission standards, or the
vehicle fails AirCare.
Cleaner Gasoline Regulation
December 1995
The Cleaner Gasoline Regulation establishes standards for gasoline that will significantly
reduce emissions of harmful pollutants, such as volatile organics, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and toxics.

(K. Ronneseth, MoE)
Gasoline Vapour Control Regulation
May 1995
This regulation requires the installation and use of gasoline vapour-control systems at service stations,
bulk gasoline-storage plants, gasoline terminals — and on truck cargo tankers. These systems are designed to prevent the escape of gasoline vapours into the atmosphere during
the transfer of gasoline between fuel storage tanks and cargo tankers.

Gasoline Vapour Control Regulation Guide to Compliance
March 1996
This guide has been published to help individuals and companies install and use gasoline vapour-control
systems, in compliance with the Gasoline Vapour Control Regulation.
Sulphur Content of Fuel Regulation
March 1989
The Sulphur Content of Fuel Regulation specifies the level of sulphur allowed in fuel used
for heating, power generation or combustion. |