The greenhouse gas reduction regulation will help diversify and increase the market for natural gas in British Columbia's transportation sector as well as deliver on our Natural Gas Strategy, announced Minister of Energy and Mines Rich Coleman.

This regulation allows utility companies to deliver natural gas transportation programs, including the opportunities to:

• Offer incentives to transportation fleets that would use natural gas, such as buses, trucks or ferries.
• Build, own and operate compressed natural gas fuelling stations or liquefied natural gas fuelling stations.
• Provide training and upgrades to maintenance facilities to safely maintain natural gas-powered vehicles.

These programs will increase options and opportunities for the transportation industry to use natural gas, a cheaper and cleaner option than traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel. By encouraging the use of natural gas, the Province is making use of one of B.C.'s natural resources. The use of natural gas in transportation supports economic development and new jobs at B.C.-based natural gas technology and services companies.

In developing this regulation, the Province consulted with about 20 organizations including utilities, fleet companies, communities, fuel suppliers and the natural gas vehicle industry.

Promoting natural gas as a transportation fuel is a key action in British Columbia's Natural Gas Strategy.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines -

"It makes sense to develop a market for natural gas transportation here in B.C. by using our abundant natural gas reserves. This regulation will help us build on our global leadership in clean transportation, bringing new jobs and more economic opportunities to the province."

Blair Lekstrom, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure -

"The use of natural gas will be a big part of the future for the transportation industry. We are encouraging the use of this made-in-B.C. resource, which can help cut transportation costs in half. We are already seeing trucking companies moving to natural gas, and it is a part of BC Ferries' long-term vision, as well. Natural gas is the transportation fuel choice of the future."

Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation -

"Our clean tech sector is a driving factor in the economic growth of British Columbia, generating $2.5 billion in revenue with a combined payroll estimated at $650 million. With this regulation, more companies will integrate B.C.'s world-leading natural gas technologies into their operations, increasing their competitiveness and driving innovation."

Terry Lake, Minister of Environment -

"By increasing the use of natural gas in fleets around the province we are making a clean transportation choice that reinforces our climate change leadership and reduces GHGs. The shift from vehicles that use costly, higher polluting diesel to those that use locally sourced natural gas is just another example of the many made-in-B.C. innovations that are part of our green economy."

Quick Facts:

• The regulation permits a utility to spend up to $62 million on vehicle and ferry incentives, up to $12 million on compressed natural gas fuelling stations and up to $30.5 million on liquefied natural gas stations, for a total of $104.5 million.
• The Province will require annual reporting on the programs being offered to review success and determine if any changes are required.
• Natural gas is 25 per cent to 40 per cent cheaper than gasoline and diesel.
• A natural gas-powered vehicle produces 20 per cent to 30 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to a gasoline or diesel vehicle.
• British Columbia is home to world-leading natural gas vehicle industries, including engine and refuelling technology.
• The Province is offering incentives to provide up to $2,500 off the sticker price for qualifying compressed natural gas vehicles. This is being offered through the $14.3 million Clean Energy Vehicle Program, announced in November 2011.

Learn More:

Find out more about B.C.'s Natural Gas Strategy at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/ener/natural_gas_strategy.html

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Energy and Mines
250 952-0617