The Environment Department says the government should consider extra taxes on the owners of SUVs and pick-up trucks in an effort to cut down on the gas guzzlers and emissions, says Blacklock’s Reporter..“More needs to be done” to lower auto emissions, said the department following a March 21 report from an advisory panel recommending a four-figure Green Levy on pickup trucks and SUVs..Payment of $5,000 federal rebates to electric car buyers has only seen sales rise to 5.6% of the national market, said the report..“Continued efforts to make zero-emission vehicles more affordable and accessible for all Canadians will be essential,” wrote staff. The department cited March 21 recommendations from its Net Zero Advisory Body that “highlighted the importance of reducing emissions from on-road transportation given its emissions profile.”.The Net Zero report said Canadians should be discouraged from taking single driver trips..“It is critical to motivate and empower Canadians to reduce the number of single-passenger trips in motorized vehicles,” wrote staff..The report said households should also face new taxes on the purchase of traditional gas and diesel-powered internal combustion vehicles..“Canada needs to act early and urgently to de-carbonize transportation,” it said..“Consider adopting an approach that combines financial incentives for the purchase of zero emission vehicles with fees for the purchase of fuel inefficient internal combustion engine vehicles.”.An existing $1,000 Green Levy introduced by Parliament in 2007 currently exempts most pickup trucks and passenger cars, applying instead to luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz sedans..“Broaden Canada’s existing Green Levy (Excise Tax) for fuel-inefficient vehicles to include additional internal combustion engine vehicle types such as pickup trucks,” wrote the Net Zero panel..“A sliding sale for the implementation of this Green Levy should be developed based on the emissions produced from different vehicles. Revenue from a broadened Green Levy could increase available funding for zero-emission vehicle incentives.”.Recommendations for new vehicle taxes follow a report last November 17 from the Green Budget Coalition for a $4,000 SUV tax. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault was formerly a director of the Coalition.
