OTTAWA, Ont. — The federal Standing Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources has issued a report endorsing the expanded use of natural gas as a “game changing fuel.”

The report has gotten the attention of the Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), which would like to see the government act on the recommendations and help the industry to transition to natural gas.

“The GHG reduction benefits of LNG are real and at current prices, it is an attractive alternative to diesel fuel. However, it will require investment in distribution infrastructure on the part of producers, as well as significant tax incentives and price guarantees to allow and encourage those carriers who are interested to make the shift,” said Stephen Laskowski, senior vice-president of CTA.

The federal report, titled ‘Now or Never,’ says that natural gas “is becoming a platform fuel for the Canadian economy” and that its expansion by governments “should be encouraged.”

The CTA notes a Class 8 truck can cost up to $100,000 more than a diesel equivalent when equipped to run of natural gas.

“At this price differential, without government financial incentives for the trucking industry or distribution infrastructure, the Canadian trucking industry will be cautious in its approach towards this technology,” added Laskowski.