I have the address to send the letters to:
Chief Fuels Section
Oil Gas and Alternative Energy Division
Energy and Transportation
Department of the Environment
Ottawa, Ontario Canada
K1A-0H3
Here is a copy of an e-mail with more information:
Environment Canada Proposal Threatens Competition Motor Vehicles
The Canadian Department of the Environment has issued a proposal to terminate the current exemption from environmental restrictions for leaded gasoline used in competition motor vehicles. If approved, the regulation would require a ban on vehicles using leaded fuel by January 1, 2009, resulting in the likely demise of all international drag-racing competition in Canada.
“In the first call to action by the newly created SEMA Action Network-Canada, the response by enthusiasts, car clubs and businesses has been overwhelming,” said SAN Director Jason Tolleson. “We are indebted to the individuals and groups who have spearheaded the efforts against this shortsighted proposal.”
According to government figures, competition motor vehicles use only 1.5% of all leaded gasoline consumed in Canada. The aviation industry, which owns a permanent exemption from the ban, accounts for the other 98.5%. It is also worth noting that U.S., U.K. and Australia regulators have not seen the need to enact a similar ban.
Of significant concern is the negative impact a leaded fuel ban will have on local and national economies. According to data compiled by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), drag-racing competitions and related expenditures by race teams, event organizers and tourists, among others, the ban would bring with it a multimillion dollar windfall for regions hosting these events.
Comments on the proposal were due to Environment Canada by February 13, 2008. Updates on this proposal will be available in future issues of Driving Force, as well as on the SAN website,
www.semasan.com.
More information:
What makes this bill viciously unfair is, they indicate that there may be increased health risks associated with leaded fuels than previously thought, and are advocating this change without any actual testing or proof. The US, Britain and Australia must not put much faith in this new information as they have no changes planned in their Leaded fuel for competition vehicles policies at volumes 10 to 100 times the annual Cdn. volume. Also the passing of this bill does not eliminate leaded fuel, it only eliminates our portion, which is 1.5% of the leaded fuel consumed in Canada (these are the Govt’s own numbers right in the report – see Industry profile) the remaining 98.5% is used as aviation fuel and they have been given a permanent exemption. (which includes private pleasure planes, etc.)
Bottom line, it’s as bad as it seems. The Canadian Government are legislating Canada’s largest racing facilities out of business. The document can be found on the Government of Canada website, under Canada Gazette Part 1, Dec. 22, 2007. The link to the document is:
http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/200.../regle1-e.htm
This is the link that takes you to the current Members of Parliament.
http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfP...ent&Language=E
On the left side of the page, you will see a text box labeled; Quick Search. Type in the name of your City or County to go to your local representative.
I will find out more when I talk to MP tommorow.
Todd Melville
Melville Racing
1577 T/STK
1971 Boss 351 Mustang