Age of Green Cars Arrives as Canadians Cut Emissions

[Gloria]

From the new World Media Watch up now at http://www.zianet.com/insightanalytical

Tomorrow at Buzzflash.com

4//The Independent, UK 19 November 2004

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=584367



AGE OF GREEN CARS ARRIVES AS CANADIANS CUT EMISSIONS

By David Usborne in New York



Cars that are environmentally friendly may be coming to drivers in North America faster than anyone expected after the Canadian government pledged this week to a dramatic 25 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from all vehicles sold inside its borders by the end of the decade.



In so doing, Canada is joining California and seven north-eastern US states, including New Jersey and New York, in seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which means the stricter limits will eventually apply to about one third of the North American car market. This should be enough to ensure that the entire North American market is governed by the standards within a few years.



The pledge from Ottawa will add to the pressure on the North American automotive industry to develop vehicles that meet higher emission standards of gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. About a third of the greenhouse gas emissions thought to contribute to global warming in the US come from motor vehicles.



"We're very clear where we want to go," John Efford, Canada's Natural Resources minister, told The New York Times yesterday. "Twenty-five per cent is our goal and the auto industry clearly understands that."



(SNIP)

[tuvor]

1. So in 6 years we can still drive our gas-guzzling SUVs?

They're expensive, you gotta keep 'em maintained or else you're just throwing your money away!

Just my silly way of saying I'll believe it when I see it.

I mean, really. Wasn't Canada supposed to have eradicated chile poverty or some such thing by 2000, thanks to some Mulroney motion or something?

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

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[TahitiNut]

3. I wonder when (if?) an automaker will file a WTO action.

Sounds make-to-order for a suit under the GATT(?).

[Kenneth ken]

9. As soon as Canada actually

passes legislation mandating this emissions reduction would be my bet.

Can't have pesky nations trying to usurp the 'right' of corporations to make profits by whatever means they choose. After all, they've spent lots of money getting these corporate-rule agreements implemented. No way in hell they'll meekly submit to any sort of concerns of mere people, regardless of political position.

Profits Before People is the only dictum they want.

People Before Profits is the only way the planet will survive.

[CatBoreal]

4. Woohoo.....

Go Canada!! Feeling proud of my country today.

The minute they start making hybrid minivans, I'm buying one.

Cam

PS. It was Chretien (the prime minister before Martin) who pledged to end child poverty, then conveniently forgot about it.

[nine23]

5. The price of a Japanese hybrid is almost on par with a loaded VW Jetta.

It's gotta start somewhere. When I sell MY 2000 Jetta, this is where I'll be going.

I test-drove one. They're everything my Jetta is, minus the emissions. Silent, too...



edit: spelling.

[Polemicist]

6. Hybrid SUV's are on the way...

From Ford and others.

[Maple]

7. Delighted to

hear it !

[daleo]

8. BMW is selling the Smart car in Canada too now

Personally, I just rent a car a few times per year. I am lucky enough to live close enough to work to walk or bike.