MEDIA RELEASE, APRIL 1, 2014
BY BC SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION, KAMLOOPS CHAPTER
April 1, 2014, Kamloops – Kamloops drivers are going to be required to add an additional piece of equipment to their vehicles this year as part of the City’s push to meet the goals laid out in its Sustainable Kamloops Plan, according to David Trawin, Chief Administrative Officer. As of July 1st, 2014, all vehicles owned by City residents will be required to display an efficiency identifier, a sign showing that vehicle’s fuel efficiency on the back window.
“Efficiency identifiers are an easy way for us to get out in front of some other municipalities, but we’re sure others will follow our lead soon,” says Trawin. “Places that require them have seen impressive results.” The City will distribute the efficiency identifiers, which are semi-transparent and come with their own mounting system, free of charge. Trawin sees the signs as a way to encourage more efficient transportation choices. “Studies in behaviour change indicate that this kind of peer pressure is very helpful in encouraging people to make better choices.”
The Sustainable Kamloops Plan commits the City to reducing transportation-related GHG emissions to 2.4 tonnes/capita by 2020. “We talked about this with Council at a workshop and decided that now is a good time to move ahead with this. Pollution from vehicles is one of the biggest problems with our air quality. Once people get used to the idea, I think we’ll see a real pay-off in terms of the buying decisions our residents make, which will lead to reduced vehicle emissions down the road.”
The response to the plan has been mixed so far. Cheryl Kabloona, Chair of the local Chapter of the BC Sustainable Energy Association, was predictably enthusiastic. “I think the fuel efficiency signs are a great way to make people aware that everyday choices can have a big impact on our energy footprint. You’ll use almost three times the gas driving an F150 to the corner store for a bag of groceries, compared to a Prius.” Others were less keen. Says George Uzzler, “The car I drive is my business – I’m paying for the gas! Why does the City care about my fuel efficiency? They should stick to collecting garbage and plowing the roads!”
There is one point of contention, and Trawin is asking the public for input. There was a heated discussion around the Council table as to whether the display should be in miles per gallon (the American system, which many Canadians are still most familiar with) or in liters per 100 km (the Canadian standard). “We’re hoping to get some direction from the public on which measurement they prefer,” stated Trawin. People can submit their preferences via the special page set up on the City of Kamloops website: www.kamloops.ca/gotcha.
***** NOTE: As much as we long for a time when this type of energy awareness will be normal, we feel compelled to tell you (as you probably guessed) that this story was an April Fool’s prank!