Green Mobility Pilot Project
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Friends of the Earth calls for owners of pre-1988 cars to consider their options in putting these gross polluters out to pasture.
“Car makers were not under the same pressure to address clean air and climate protection then as compared to now”, says Beatrice Olivastri, Chief Executive Officer for Friends of the Earth. “The very rudimentary emission control technology from pre-1988 model cars is really from the dinosaur age. And every one knows what happened to dinosaurs.”
Motorists in Ottawa saddled with these dinosaurs can now bring them to Friends of the Earth and take away their choice of incentive for a cleaner, greener way to get around. Similar programs are operating in a number of Canadian cities.
Friends of the Earth's Green Mobility Pilot Project, which is supported by several Ottawa based organizations and by a two year $120,000 contribution from Environment Canada, is unique in offering owners of pre-1988 cars their choice of incentives other than new or newer cars: it includes special deals to join Ottawa's car-sharing company, bus passes or deals on commuter-quality bikes.
“Improving air quality requires action from all sectors of society,” said the Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment. “Initiatives like Friends of the Earth's Green Mobility Pilot Project will help Canadians make choices that help improve our air quality. The Government of Canada continues to move on its 10-year Clean Air Agenda, including new emission control requirements for vehicles, new specifications for current and alternative fuels, and support for more innovations in the transportation system.”
“We do not want more Canadians to die from air pollution” said Ms. Olivastri. “It is very important that the federal government help Canadians choose cleaner, greener transportation. And if cars are going to be in that mix, they need to be zero emission, more fuel tolerant and totally recyclable to minimize their footprint.”
Friends of the Earth's Green Mobility Pilot Project is financially supported by Environment Canada with additional support from Ottawa's car-sharing company, VRTUCAR, the City of Ottawa, and 417 Auto Parts.
Friends of the Earth is Canada's voice for the environment working together with the most extensive environmental network in the world – almost one million supporters across five continents and 68 national organizations worldwide. Founded in 1978, Friends of the Earth Canada is celebrating 25 years of campaigning for people and the planet.
For further information:
Beatrice Olivastri,
Friends of the Earth, (613) 241-0085 ext. 26,
Cell: (613) 724-8690
Louise Durocher,
Environment Canada, (819) 997-2416
Additional Information:
http://www.foecanada.org/cleanair/green_mobility_backgrounder.htm
@ July 26, 2003