AMTA  E-News

June  2010

AMTA Played Key Role In Alberta Move to Encourage Fuel Efficiency Rebates

AMTA’s long sought after incentives to help Alberta bus and truck fleets adopt additional ‘green’ technologies was unveiled this month when the province announced it would introduce a $2-million rebate program.

“Fuel obviously plays a key role in our industry and we are very pleased there is a program to help our members incorporate fuel-efficient technologies in their operations,” said Mayne Root, Executive Director of the Alberta Motor Transport Association. “’If you bought it, a truck brought it’, and this program will help the trucking industry in our goal to improve our environmental impact.”

AMTA is in favour of a new provincial fuel-efficiency incentive program aimed at reducing 97,000 tonnes of the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent of taking approximately 20,000 cars off the road by 2020. Starting June 1, the Government of Alberta will offer rebates to commercial truck owners and operators who install energy efficient technologies in their vehicles.

“With 80 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions coming from the tailpipe, we all have a crucial role to play in improving Alberta’s fuel efficiency,” said Alberta Environment Minister Rob Renner. “Alberta’s trucking industry drives our economy and this program is an environmental and economic win-win for the sector and province.”

This Government of Alberta rebate program will be administered by Climate Change Central, a non-profit organization empowering Albertans to take action on climate change. Some of the fuel-efficient technologies that will be eligible for rebates include:

• aerodynamic aids, such as trailer skirts and fairings;
• auxiliary power units and cab heaters to reduce engine idling time; and
• hybrid trucks.

“Financial incentives are only part of this initiative,” said Simon Knight, President and CEO of Climate Change Central. “Twenty-five companies will also receive a tailored fleet analysis showing them how to make their fuel go further, and several workshops will be held to educate operators on reducing fuel costs by maximizing fleet performance.”

The Alberta Motor Transport Association has more than 120,000 member vehicles and has been working with the Alberta government since 2005 to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through more efficient fuel use practices and technologies.

To find out more about eligible retrofits and how to apply for a rebate, visit www.TrucksofTomorrow.com or call toll-free at 1-888-537-7202.