15 April 2011
CEC Releases Report on Sustainable Freight Transport in North America
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A report from the Secretariat of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) calls for urgent cross-border cooperation to improve the environmental performance of the North American freight system.

31 March 2011: A report from the Secretariat of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) calls for urgent cross-border cooperation to improve the environmental performance of the North American freight system.

The report, titled “Destination Sustainability: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Freight Transportation in North America,” argues that cross-border cooperation measures are necessary not only to enhance environmental sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but also to keep North America competitive with other trade blocs.

It looks at the freight transportation network, particularly road and rail transport, in Canada, Mexico and the US, a key contributor to North American GHG emissions. The report finds that, while emissions from light-duty vehicles are projected to drop 12% by 2030, freight truck emissions are projected to increase 20% over the same period.

The report makes six principal recommendations, including the creation of a ministerial-level North American Transportation Forum, the introduction of carbon pricing, and special training for freight drivers on energy-efficient driving. [CEC Press Release] [Publication: Destination Sustainability: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Freight Transportation in North America]

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