WINNIPEG — To help develop comprehensive emission reduction standards and a greener environment, five Manitobans were appointed to the new Vehicle Standards Advisory Board.

In developing higher emission standards for Manitoba, the board will consider the methodology used to establish California’s emission standards. The board is also instructed to consider the economic impact and technological feasibility of new technologies.

“The advisory board will assist the province in developing vehicle emission standards that will help Manitobans meet Kyoto targets,” said Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau. “The new made-in-Manitoba standards will seek to integrate existing cost-effective, road-ready technology into new vehicles, creating maximum efficiency improvements while preserving consumer choice.”

The board will consider an extended range of alternative technologies that could help Manitobans save money on fuel while helping reduce greenhouse gases, he added.

The creation of a Vehicle Standards Advisory Board was a condition in the Climate Change and Emissions Reduction Act, which was proclaimed in June. The act supported Beyond Kyoto, Manitoba’s updated climate change action plan released in April of this year. The plan and legislation includes 60 specific actions to reduce greenhouse gasses, supported by more than $145 million in investments over four years.

The new advisory board is expected to provide recommendations by Jan. 31, 2009.