The Ontario Ministry of the Environment is considering a fuel mandate that would require diesel fuel sold there to contain 2% biodiesel, with the percentage doubled by 2016.
鈥淭he ministry is consulting with the public and stakeholders on a proposal to require a greener diesel blend,鈥 said ministry spokeswoman Kate Jordan.
If approved, the 2% mandate would be in effect between April 1 and December 2015, Jordan said. Starting in 2016, the mandate would require 4% biodiesel content.
The mandates for 2% and 4% biodiesel content would include both on-the-road and off-road diesel fuel, as well as home heating oil.
The Ontario Trucking Association said in a statement that it had concerns about the proposed regulation.
鈥淏eyond cost concerns, OTA also questions the environmental benefit of a biodiesel regulation in light of the [greenhouse gas] regulations the trucking sector is already facing,鈥 the association said.
OTA said it was worried that the ministry鈥檚 final decision on a mandate would be made early next year, 鈥減otentially leaving fuel suppliers with little time to react in the event the proposal is in fact implemented in April 2014.鈥
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