Canada finalizes regulations to cut 
sulphur levels in diesel fuel

OTTAWA (10/24/05) -- The Government of Canada has finalized regulations to significantly reduce sulphur 
levels in diesel fuel used for rail, marine and other off-road purposes such as construction, agricultural 
and industrial equipment.

"These regulatory measures are part of our overall agenda for making fuels and vehicles cleaner in order to protect human health and the environment," said Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment. "The overall clean air plan for North America aims for delivery of less polluting vehicles and engines, expanded pollutant reporting by industry and reduced emissions from industry."

Since 2001, regulations have been implemented to cut down engine emissions of many pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds that come from on- and off-road vehicles, engines and the fuels that power them. 

"These regulations set stringent new Canadian standards aligned with U.S. requirements," added the Minister Dion, "and by promoting the competitiveness of Canada’s refining industry, the approach is aligned under the Government of Canada’s Project Green, the broad environmental vision that links Canada’s economic competitiveness and prosperity to a sustainable future."

The regulations introduce controls on sulphur in non-road diesel fuel from the current unregulated level to a 500 milligrams per kilogram (mg / kg) limit in 2007 and a 15 mg/kg limit starting in 2010. This will result in about a 99% reduction in four years from the current, unregulated average level of sulphur in non-road diesel fuel. 

The two-phase target approach to reducing the sulphur limit as set out in the regulations is required to meet the industry standards. The 15 mg/kg limit in 2010 ensures that the level of sulphur in diesel fuel reaches the standards for the effective operation of new generation low emission diesel engines for off-road construction, mining, farming and forestry equipment coming onto the market in model year 2011.

These Regulations are also an initiative under Project Green, a set of policies and programs aimed at supporting a sustainable environment, healthy population and competitive economy. Project Green addresses environmental and competitiveness issues for the 21st century including measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to increase fuel and energy efficiency and to increase Canadian and foreign markets for environment technologies can drive our economy and protect our environment and health. Through Project Green’s policies and programs, Canada can set an international example by developing effective model solutions for the long-term health of the planet.