TORONTO, Ont. — The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is pleased with the strategies outlined in the new Climate Change Action Plan that was revealed by the Ontario government today.

Details of the action plan show that there are plans for $270 million in funding to expedite adoption of progressive GHG-reduction trucking technologies.

The majority of the plan centres around the new Green Commercial Vehicle Program which provides up to $170 million for electric and natural gas-powered commercial vehicles, infrastructure and temperature controlled trailer technology – as well as tractor-trailer aerodynamic devices and anti-idling devices. The program is expected to launch in 2017-2018.

“Today’s announcement makes it easier for Ontario trucking companies to transition to greener, low carbon-intensive fuels such as electric and natural gas technology and spur market penetration of proven fuel-cutting aerodynamic and anti-idling products,” said Stephen Laskowski, president of the OTA. “By de-risking investment in these technologies, the Ontario government is allowing the trucking industry – already a leader in putting carbon-reducing, fuel efficient tools to work – to accelerate the shift to more advanced, cutting edge alternatives that further reduce the industry’s  carbon footprint and increase economic competitiveness.”

The Government of Ontario also plans to spend up to $100 million to build a province-wide natural gas fueling network. The Ontario government says it will work with the OTA on this among other partners.

To educate the industry on this opportunity, the OTA said it will be hosting a workshop in July. (Anyone interested in attending or would like more info on this issue should e-mail publicaffairs@ontruck.org).

“With this announcement, the Government of Ontario has created a watershed opportunity for the commercial natural gas vehicle industry to market innovative environmental products and technology to our sector,” added Laskowski. “What we have now is a partner in government that will work with us to bring about GHG reductions even more quickly. It’s now time for the private sector to maximize this opportunity through leadership and cooperation.”