ETOBICOKE, Ont. — New environmental initiatives announced by the Ontario Liberals include identifying drivers and truckers who buy green vehicles and related technology with an “Eco-licence plate.”

Premier Dalton McGuinty says he plans to begin stakeholder consultations with vehicle OEMs and environmental groups to develop a green vehicle program that will rate cars, light trucks and commercial vehicles using environmental criteria.

The Eco-licence plate, to be launched in 2008, is intended to encourage people to buy cleaner, fuel effecient vehicles.

“Thousands of Ontario drivers are already going green — we want to encourage even more to do the same,” said Transport Minister Donna Cansfield. “By rewarding drivers and businesses who switch to clean fuel-efficient vehicles, we can reduce pollution and help put Ontario companies at the forefront of green innovation.”

The government is also investing $15 million over four years for a pilot to help businesses convert to more environmentally-friendly technologies, such as hybrid power. The project will help the government and
industry learn more about the technology, spur investment and help make medium-duty hybrid trucks more affordable for Ontario businesses.

Additionally, the province is increasing the use of cleaner fuel in its own fleet by installing two new ethanol and biodiesel fuelling stations, Environment Minister Laurel Broten announced. These new facilities could also be made available to other users, such as municipal fleets once they are operational.