The Government of Ontario is taking action to protect Ontario’s air and reduce smog-causing pollutants by targeting the use of emission-control delete kits in the trucking industry.
In two Decision Notices posted just before Christmas, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) outlined its processes, action plan and timelines for addressing environmentally non-compliant carriers using delete kits. Members can read the full MECP approach by clicking here https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-0416 and here https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-0646
The MECP Decision Notice outlined the regulatory process for developing the electronic test to detect emissions tampering; the implementation of an environmental test component in the annual safety inspection for a truck; and the amendments that transfer responsibility for vehicle emission inspections and enforcement from the MECP to the Ministry of Transportation. I also highlighted how the non-compliant sector of the industry lobbied against this important environment initiative:
“Many comments were received about enforcement actions regarding the tampering or defeating of emission control systems,” it stated. “Mixed comments were received from individuals, with some in support and some opposed. Some vehicle operators that voiced opposition to enforcement against tampered vehicles indicated that they have or operate vehicles with tampered emission control systems. They state that enforcement actions will have a negative financial impact on them…In addition the failure to comply with emission control system requirements by some of the trucking industry is creating an unlevel playing field within the transportation industry.”
The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) applauds the direction of this vital environmental policy as well as the leadership of Minister Yurek for standing up against non-compliant carriers who assume they should not have to bear the cost of environmental compliance, says OTA president Stephen Laskowski.
“The non-compliant portion of our industry is becoming more brazen – to the extent of actually identifying themselves as lawbreakers to government and claiming they are above the law. Apparently, some in our sector actually believe governments should shield them from the same laws imposed on all compliant businesses,” he said. “This dangerous and growing sense of entitlement by the underbelly of our industry has led to selective regulatory compliance, which needs to end swiftly. Congratulations to Minister Yurek for protecting the environment and standing up for law-abiding carriers.
OTA is also encouraging shippers to show leadership by addressing transportation service providers who may be moving their freight through delete-kit vehicles and polluting the environment.
Shippers interested in becoming more proactive in this area should reach out to the Ontario Trucking Association.
Relatedly, MECP has also announced a reporting mechanism in the New Year for people to report polluting trucks or businesses/technicians engaged in tampering. OTA will be educating its members about using this reporting method in the New Year.