While a provincial program in Canada is encouraging fleets to apply for grants to go green, some are complaining that its stipulations are too restrictive. The Green Commercial Vehicle Program in Ontario aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing large and small fleets with the funds to purchase anti-idling systems and hybrids. However, equipment must be operated mostly in the province and be model 2006 or newer.

Grant Programs Reward Green Trucks, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

TORONTO, Ont. — The Ontario government is continuing to encourage fleets to apply for grants under its Green Commercial Vehicle Program (GCVP).

So far, the province says it has received more than 1,300 applications from about 150 companies under the four-year, $15 million program, which provides rebates toward the purchase of anti-idling systems and hybrid commercial vehicles.

“Our Green Commercial Vehicle Program aims to take up to 40,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions out of our air every year,” said Transport Minister Jim Bradley. “This grant program is helping big and small companies to operate greener, more fuel-efficient vehicles that will help us all breathe a little easier.”

According to the province, $2.3 million in grants will be awarded this fiscal year to 132 fleets and spread across 1,200 vehicles. Callers to Trucknews.com, however, have expressed frustration out of the many stipulations the program involves. Trucks must be operated mostly in Ontario and must be model year 2006 or newer.

[source - trucknews.com]