B.C. government funds diesel emission reduction program

B.C. government funds diesel emission reduction program Canadian government officials for the British Columbia province have approved $500,000 to help fund a diesel emission reduction program for B.C. truck fleets.
   The program, operated by the Green Fleets B.C. partnership, is aimed at helping B.C. transportation managers green their truck fleets by providing information on selecting low-emission vehicles, adopting 'green' engine technologies such as hybrids, and sourcing low-emission fuels. The program also provides assistance to truck firms in developing best management practices such as vehicle maintenance plans, fuel-reducing route planning and sound driving practices.
   A key component of the GFBC program is the growth of the E3 Fleet, a Canadian national 'green' rating system for fleet vehicles. Participating fleets receive ratings based on the environmental impact status of their vehicles similar to the LEEDs ratings system used to rate the environmental compliance and efficiency of buildings. The GFBC program seeks to add an additional 50 participating fleets within the next two years, including the vehicle fleet of the B.C. government. The GFBC program is also planning a major education and development effort regarding the use of biodiesel fuels aimed at meeting a previously set goal by the province to reach five percent renewable fuel content by 2010.
   The GFBC program, working with the Canadian Ministry of Transportation and the B.C. Trucking Association, is also looking to implement new 'green' technologies such as idling reduction systems, aerodynamics and fuel-efficient single tires in at least 1,000 commercial trucks.