What emission standards exist in North America?

Many people know emissions standards exist but few can explain what they actually are and which part of government is responsible for regulating emissions.

In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for administering federal emission standards for on and off road vehicles and engines, and fuel sulfur standards. In Canada, the federal Ministry of Environment and Climate Change administers On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations.

Given the unique relationship between the United States and Canada, the Canadian regulations brought into force in 2004 align with the U.S. regulations. With the cross-border auto manufacturing trade, vehicle trade, and travel it makes sense to have common emission rules for the two countries. The purpose of the regulations is to set standards for the amount of specific pollutants being emitted.

OK, what are the rules? Good question, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lists various vehicle categories and acceptable emission-levels for carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, non-methane organic gases, and particulate matter. Vehicles are subjected to driving cycle tests while emissions are collected and measured. Vehicle manufacturers are responsible for building engines that meet the standards.

For more information, check out the U.S. EPA’s emission standards reference guide.

In the world's conversation about energy, one point is beyond debate: Energy makes a vital contribution to people's quality of life, to society and to human progress. This is true today, and it will remain true in the future. That's why Energy Matters was created. We believe it's important to equip people with unbiased information so they may form opinions, join the conversation and feel confidence in the work and accomplishments of the energy sector. Energy Matters is an initiative that provides transparent information and perspective on energy. Here, we'll cover a range of topics: the scale of global energy; the ways energy is sourced and produced; current energy technology; forthcoming innovations; the world's future energy needs; and the sustainable sources of energy that will fill them. Because energy matters to everyone, we hope you'll rely on Energy Matters as an ongoing source of balanced information.