WHEREAS it is widely acknowledged that mankind is facing the most serious threat in history to its continuing existence from the profound effects of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere resulting in climate change and the increasing acidification of the oceans resulting in a drastic reduction of marine life; AND WHEREAS a significant source of greenhouse gases are from internal combustion engines in the nations automobiles, trucks, buses and other vehicles: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities work collectively with the Province of British Columbia and the government of Canada to greatly expand or create an electrified passenger and freight rail network linking most of the urban centres of the country making it the predominant mode of transportation for both intra-urban and inter-urban travel.
Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure The SkyTrain service is already fully electric, and the Province is planning aggressive expansion of the system over the next 20 years through our 14 billion Transit Plan. The majority of the goods moving through our ports already travel by rail which is considered environmentally advantageous. Through our Pacific Gateway Strategy, the Province will continue to improve the efficiency and capacity of our rail network and continue to promote the most fuel efficient technologies.
Ministry of Environment The Government is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. On October 1, 2010, the Government announced the final Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The Regulations establish progressively more stringent regulated standards over the 2011-2016 model years to limit greenhouse gas emissions from new passenger automobiles and light trucks in Canada. The final Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on October 13, 2010. As well, on October 1, 2010, the former Minster of Environment releases a Notice of Intent regarding the Governments commitment to continue working with the United States toward the development of tighter standards for light vehicles for the 2017 and later model years. In addition, on May 21, 2010, both the Canada and the United States announced that they would establish consistent North American greenhouse gas emission standards for new heavy duty vehicles beginning with the 2014 model year. On October 25, 2010, Environment Canada released a consultation document outlining the proposed elements of the future regulations to reduce emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles.