Cnews. The leaders of two Canadian ministries are sparring over the introduction of California-style auto-emissions standards (the new CO₂ restrictions) in Canada to meet the compliance targets set by the Kyoto protocol.

Environment Minister Stephane Dion says Canada should adopt the standards, the first in the world to target greenhouse emissions from cars. But Natural Resources Minister John Efford says that’s not on.

Although the environment minister usually answers questions about Kyoto, Efford’s department is responsible for most policies affecting energy use, including regulations on fuel economy and vehicle emissions. Efford spokeswoman Cathy Worden says her boss will pursue a voluntary agreement with the auto industry, not legally binding regulations.

Canada’s plan for compliance with the Kyoto accord calls for a 25% cut in auto emissions by 2010, but the industry has said it cannot produce special fuel-efficient cars for the small Canadian market.

Dion proposed the adoption of California standards [...] last month. “California is equivalent to the Canadian population,” he said. “We could double our forces in adopting a regulation with them. That way North American could improve its situation.”

That’s an interesting idea. A patchwork of states and provinces constituting a virtual North American Low-Emissions Zone prior to (big assumption here) stronger national regulations. Some of the eastern states are getting close.