Transportation and Works
April 6, 2011

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works:

Green Vehicle Targets Exceeded

I am pleased to announce today that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has not only met, but has exceeded, the target for the purchase of energy-efficient vehicles as outlined in our 2007 Energy Plan, Focusing our Energy.

As part the Energy Plan, the Provincial Government set out to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take a lead role in environmental sustainability. This Energy Plan was an opportunity to set a positive example in the use of greener vehicles within the province.

In 2007, our government committed that 25 per cent of new car and sport utility vehicle (SUV) purchases for the provincial fleet between 2007 and 2011 would be energy-efficient or hybrid vehicles. This target would cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and help set the tone for this province’s commitment to green energy.

I am pleased to inform the Honourable House today that we have exceeded this target.

Since April 2008, 48 per cent of our government’s new car and SUV purchases have been hybrid vehicles.

In the last three years, we have purchased 125 cars and SUVs. Sixty of these are hybrids. These vehicles are spread out over eight government departments in all areas of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Our ability to reduce our carbon footprint depends on the choices we make and our government’s choice to utilize more energy-efficient vehicles is helping us to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions and save energy.

Our government will continue to enhance our fleet as the local market adapts to the demand for hybrid vehicles. As the market adjusts, we hope to introduce hybrid pick-up trucks to our fleet and to continue down this road of fuel-efficiency and sustainability.

By introducing hybrid vehicles to the government fleet, we are showing that energy-efficient vehicles are a viable option for those wishing to curtail energy consumption and leave a smaller carbon footprint. We are also helping to showcase the technology of hybrid vehicles and we are showing our commitment to reducing fossil fuel emissions by enhancing the fuel efficiency of the vehicles that government employees drive everyday.

I look forward to seeing more hybrid and energy-efficient vehicles being introduced into our fleet as we continue to lead by example.

2011 04 06            2:45 p.m.

Correction – April 18, 2011: Due to a miscalculation, the numbers relating to car and SUV purchases noted above are incorrect. The correct numbers are contained in the table below.

VEHICLES (CARS AND SUV'S) PURCHASED BETWEEN APRIL 1, 2008 AND MARCH 31, 2011.