Canadian NGV Alliance Supports Greater U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation

On Thursday, the Canadian Gas Association (CGA) and the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (CNGVA) issued a statement fully supporting a new plan that will see greater cooperation between Canada and the U.S. on the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel. The Harper Government and the Obama Administration released the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council’s Joint Forward Plan late last week. This Plan sets the stage for improvements in the way regulatory departments and agencies in both countries work together. The Plan makes it easier for businesses to operate in both countries with 24 priority areas identified — including the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel. “Greater cooperation between the two countries will help ensure consumer choice, foster economic development, and keep Canada competitive, particularly with our biggest trading partner, the United States,” said Timothy M. Egan, President of CGA. The Plan states that, in the area of alternative fuel use in transportation, namely natural gas, Natural Resources Canada and the U.S. Department of Energy will build on previous work to facilitate the development of common codes and standards, and explore any opportunities for alignment among stakeholders. This includes a commitment to share information, identify emerging areas in natural gas deployment, and explore challenges in codes and standards harmonization. “Regulatory cooperation supporting greater use of natural gas in the transportation sector is a win-win for both Canada and the United States,” said Alicia Milner, President of CNGVA.