The B.C. government is investing $500,000 into the Green Fleets B.C. partnership to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality, Environment Minister Barry Penner announced today.

"Over the next three years, Green Fleets B.C. will help remove over 900 tonnes of smog-causing emissions and 200,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases from our air," Penner said. "That's the equivalent of taking 50,000 light-duty vehicles off the road - a key part of our government's plan to improve air quality in British Columbia."

Green Fleets B.C. (GFBC) is a partnership initiative led by the Fraser Basin Council, and will support the provincial government in meeting its clean air and climate change objectives, including the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent by 2020.

"We're very encouraged by the support shown by the B.C. government," said Fraser Basin Council chair Dr. Charles Jago. "Green Fleets B.C. will spark and sustain improvements in energy efficiency and emissions reduction in vehicle fleets of all kinds."

A cornerstone of the GFBC program is expansion of E3 Fleet, North America's first green rating service for fleet vehicles. Participating fleets receive in-depth reviews to help guide their planning, and can pursue a bronze, silver or bronze rating as a mark of excellence.

"While no single initiative can reduce emissions completely, every action that mitigates the impact of emissions is a positive one," said B.C. Lung Association executive director Scott McDonald. "We fully support Green Fleets B.C. and applaud the B.C. government for its continuing efforts to improve air quality."

Transportation accounts for 40 per cent of all B.C.'s greenhouse gas emissions. Fleet managers can be part of the solution by selecting the best vehicles of their class, using the right vehicle for each job, adopting progressive engine technologies, including hybrids, and finding low-emission fuels. Best management practices are also important, including good vehicle maintenance, careful route planning and sound driving practices.

"We are making great strides forward with green transportation initiatives that use new technologies like biodiesel, hydrogen, green taxis, or rapid buses," said Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. "I encourage everyone to make these choices, and also to walk and cycle to reduce their footprint."

GFBC will be a key information hub for the latest on green technologies for private and public sector fleets, including taxis, emergency vehicles, delivery vans and commercial freight trucks. Specific goals include:

* At least 50 green-rated fleets under the E3 Fleet service by 2010, including the Government of B.C. Fleet.
* Assistance to fleets in using renewable fuels, focusing on education and a distribution infrastructure for biodiesel - and helping to meet the Province's target of five per cent renewable fuel content in diesel by 2010.
* Ongoing educational outreach on idling reduction through "Idle Free B.C." branding, website and resources.
* Together with the Ministry of Transportation, B.C. Trucking Association and others, demonstrating green trucking technologies in at least 1,000 commercial trucks, including on-board idling reduction technologies, aerodynamics and fuel-efficient tires.

Visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/air/ to learn more about air quality initiatives in B.C.

Visit www.greenfleets.ca to learn more about the Green Fleet B.C. initiative.