Strong support for B.C. Clean Fuel Regulation

September 25, 2014, Vancouver, B.C. – A new poll shows that
three in four British Columbians support BC's renewable and low carbon fuels
regulation.

Under the regulation, transportation fuels sold in BC must
have renewable content (5% in gasoline and 4% in diesel) and 10% less carbon
content by 2020. This regulation has been quietly working every day since 2010
with no negative impact on fuel price or performance, and important reductions
in tailpipe emissions and greenhouse gas pollution.

The Ipsos Reid poll of 800 British Columbians shows that a
significant majority (75%) support the renewable and low carbon fuel
regulation. Support is remarkably uniform across British Columbia's diverse
regions, and across age groups, income levels, employment status and family
types.

The top reasons for support centre on benefits to the
environment and the need to start using alternative/renewable energy sources.
The poll asked respondents what they believed was important to know about the
regulation; their responses showed interest in all categories of information
presented to them, but  'renewable fuels
are proven to work in today's engines' and 'consumers in BC have increased fuel
options' emerged as most important to know. Respondents also rated highly the
need to know that the regulation 'increased competition amongst fuel suppliers
and helped to moderate fuel price increases' and that it 'resulted in the
elimination of greenhouse gas emissions.'

The BC regulation delivered 25% (905,000 tonnes) of the
province's greenhouse gas reductions in 2012. It also created more competition
in the fuels market, with increased use of biodiesel, ethanol, electricity and
natural gas for cars and trucks.

The seamless introduction of ethanol and biodiesel into the
in BC fuels market has gone mostly un-noticed; only ten percent (10%) of
respondents say they are 'clearly aware' of the regulation. Once respondents
had reviewed more detailed information about the regulation, overall support
remained consistent but the intensity of support increased, with the proportion
indicating that they 'strongly support' the regulation increasing from 24% to
30%. This highlights the opportunity for the BC government and other climate
action advocates to more broadly publicize the regulation's benefits to British
Columbians.

The visibility of clean fuels in BC is changing. Because of
the BC regulation, alternative fuels such as biodiesel and ethanol are now used
across BC. Biodiesel produced in Canada is sustainable and globally-proven,
creating jobs at home and reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. With 59% to
96% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than diesel, and cleaner tailpipe emissions,
Canadian biodiesel is a significant contributor to clean urban air and BC's
climate action leadership.

Low carbon fuel standards are the front line for taking
action on fossil fuel carbon pollution and creating real market competition.
California has a similar regulation already in place, with Washington State and
Oregon actively working towards comparable rules. In British Columbia, the
public strongly endorses action by the province to open up access to renewable
and low carbon fuel alternatives for all consumers.