The MOU commits the BC Ministry of Environment and the California Air Resources Board to move forward in partnership in the implementation of greenhouse gas emissions standards for new cars, SUVs and light-duty trucks. Vehicle emissions standards mirroring California’s are projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from light-duty vehicles in B.C. by 30% in 2016, relative to current vehicles.

Both parties to the agreement will share information and resources to support consistent application of vehicle emissions standards to vehicle models available in California and BC. This will include co-operation on vehicle test data and the determination of greenhouse gas emissions associated with each light-duty passenger vehicle included in a manufacturer's vehicle fleet.

When it comes to taking action to reduce emissions from the transportation sector, we couldn’t ask for a better partner or mentor than the California Air Resources Board. We’re very grateful for the support, and under this MOU we aspire to bring the board’s high standards for vehicle emissions to BC and all of Canada.

—John Yap, Minister of State for Climate Action

Under an agreement struck earlier this year, the California Air Resources Board Pavley 1 targets for LDV GHG reductions map to the coming NHTSA/EPA Federal CAFE/GHG regulations under development, with a comparable result by 2016. (Earlier post.) However, the ARB staff is currently working on the next generation of emissions regulations (LEV III, Pavley 2, ZEV 2), that will come into effect in subsequent years. (Earlier post.)