The Ontario Minister of Transportation has heard some of the trucking industry’s concerns with the provincial biodiesel mandate and has agreed to work with the Ontario Trucking Association on the rollout of the requirements.
Namely, MTO has agreed to stretch out full implementation over three years rather than two.
The province announced last month a new biodiesel mandate, which will require a 2% biofuel component in on- and off-road diesel.
In a letter to OTA, Transportation Minister Glen Murray said MTO will also consult with OTA and engine manufacturers to assess any impacts to the industry – particularly given the various climates and geography throughout the province – such as engine warranties, fuel quality standards and costs.
OTA, which opposed the mandate since it was first proposed, has cited concerns about the rule’s fuel averaging provisions, particularly when the full mandate takes effect, which the association fears will inevitably lead to the use of biodiesel with a higher biofuel content than that currently accepted by most heavy truck engine manufacturers’ warranties and the need for strict requirements for adherence to fuel quality standards.
OTA is committed to ensuring the rule is rolled out as smoothly as possible by minimizing the impact to the trucking industry.