WINNIPEG, Man. — The University of Manitoba Transport Institute (UMTI) is hosting the “Heavy Duty Vehicle GHG Emissions and Fuel Efficiency in Canada,” Conference, in Winnipeg, Man.,  on April 30th –May 1st, 2012 at the Fort Garry Hotel.

The Honourable Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation for Manitoba, has just confirmed he will speak at the event on May 1.  Transportation Media Editorial Director Lou Smyrlis will chair the first day of the conference.

Policy-makers, manufacturers and importers of new on-road heavy-duty vehicles, engines and components will consider the benefits of harmonization and other Canadian strategies for dealing with the environmental, economic, and community impact of the outlined regulations established to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new on-road heavy-duty vehicles for model year 2014 and beyond.

While mirroring the rules currently being proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), the Canadian standards will also consider the competitiveness, safety and unique aspects of the Canadian industry. The new regulations will be part of a collaborative approach between Canadian and U.S., officials to draft and enact common North American standards to address societal and technological challenges inherently related to climate change.