Low Carbon Fuels Lessen Fossil Dependence, Protect BC Consumers

VANCOUVER, May 20, 2015 /CNW/ - Advocates for low carbon and renewable fuels are backing the BC government's decision this week to keep intact its highly effective Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirements Regulation, after it conducted an extensive review of the law in 2014. This 'clean fuels' regulation has been responsible for eliminating over four million tonnes of greenhouse gases since 2010 – equivalent to taking 190,000 cars off our roads every year.

The Western Canada Biodiesel Association (WCBA) applauds the government's commitment to clean fuels. WCBA has been the lead advocate for low carbon transportation fuels in western Canada, broadly backing the role that biofuels, natural gas, electricity and other low carbon fuels play in climate action, economic growth, and reduced fossil fuel dependence.

According to Ian Thomson, WCBA President, "BC's leadership on climate action and clean fuels is important. Low carbon fuels not only deliver climate solutions today, but are increasingly recognized for their ability to reduce fuel costs for BC consumers and businesses. Biodiesel reduces carbon emissions by over 90%, and brings much-needed competition to the fuel sector. Many other governments are looking to emulate BC's success."

The regulation requires petroleum companies to gradually reduce the amount of carbon pollution in the fuels they sell by 10% between 2010 and 2020. The BC government review confirmed the suitability of a range of low carbon fuels in BC. The successful use of higher blends of low carbon fuels in many Canadian provinces and US states lends support to an expanded BC regulation. Made-in-Canada low carbon fuels can create sustainable, family-supporting jobs in resource dependent communities.

Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning fuel made from natural, renewable resources such as vegetable oil or animal fats. It is in widespread global use, across millions of road-tested miles and has been proven to work under Canadian climatic conditions across all diesel engine platforms. Biodiesel use cuts exhaust emissions, minimizing black smoke, odour, air toxins and particulate matter, and delivers more than three units of end-use energy for every unit required for its production. Biodiesel production capacity currently exceeds 730 million litres in Canada, and almost 8 billion litres in the United States.

SOURCE Western Canada Biodiesel Association

For further information: Ian Thomson, [e-mail], www.westerncanadabiodiesel.org