Call for Members: CASA ROVER III Project Team (On-road Vehicle Emissions Testing)

Position: 
ENGO Members
Initiative: 
ROVER III Project Team
Application Deadline: 
30 Apr 2018

The Government of Alberta has committed to implementing the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) as part of the national Air Quality Management System. Air emissions need to be managed for Alberta to achieve the CAAQS as they become more stringent over time.

In particular, careful management of emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) will be needed and the Clean Air Strategy highlights the need for management actions on non-point sources of air emissions, such as transportation emissions. Based on the 2014 Air Pollutant Emissions Inventory, the transportation sector is one of the largest sources of NOx emissions in the province, second only to industrial emissions and contributing approximately 30% of total NOx emissions. The transportation sector is province-wide. In addition to emitting NOx and other air contaminants with associated health impacts, the transportation sector is a notable emitter of greenhouse gases.

The Government of Alberta, led by Alberta Environment and Parks, identified an opportunity for a CASA Project Team to support CAAQS implementation and general air quality management. This work will involve: an on-road vehicle emissions testing study to gather information on in-use vehicle emissions and inform next steps for vehicle emission reductions, while leveraging existing communication channels for messaging on vehicle emissions and their impact on air quality. This project can also support alignment of provincial initiatives with the intent of federal legislation to reduce both air and greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

At their April 2018 meeting, the CASA board approved the ROVER III Project Charter and the formation of the ROVER III Project Team. The work of the project team will be to use remote sensing technology to test emissions from the in-use on-road vehicle fleet, including heavy-duty and light-duty trucks/vehicles, and to make recommendations on managing emissions from the on-road transportation sector in order to inform management actions and/or next steps for transportation emissions management to help achieve the CAAQS in Alberta.

Time Commitment: 

The working group is expected to meet monthly over the duration of the project beginning in mid-May, with the possibility of additional sub-group meetings if deemed necessary. Members should anticipate spending additional hours between meetings reporting and gathering information from their sector, and reviewing and commenting on meeting materials and draft reports. The final report of the team is expected to be completed and go before the CASA Board in Q2 2019.

Expenses & Honoraria: 

Honoraria and reimbursement of travel expenses are available in accordance with CASA’s Policy on Stakeholder Support.

Selection Criteria: 

The representative should have the following attributes:

  • Strong technical knowledge and expertise in air quality and air quality issues, especially those associated with vehicle emissions;
  • Knowledge and familiarity with the Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS);
  • Knowledge and experience working with scientific and technical information about air pollution and air quality;
  • Technical expertise in vehicle emissions, and air emissions measurement is considered an asset;
  • Record of effective participation in CASA Project Teams, or other consensus-based multi-stakeholder processes;
  • Support and endorsement of an environmental non-governmental organization active in Alberta with a demonstrated commitment to the environmental stewardship, and promotion of air quality improvement.

Delegate Expectations

  • Review and analyze background documents provided.
  • Actively participate and provide input at the meetings.
  • Ensure that their alternate is kept up-to-date and well-briefed. Where possible, organizations should nominate both a primary member and an alternate.
  • Provide updates to and receive feedback from the ENGO sector by participating in AEN conference calls and meetings; and providing periodic written briefs.

The selected delegates are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the objects and values of the Alberta Environmental Network.

The objects of the AEN include:

  1. to encourage and support networking, communication, and resource sharing amongst non-governmental environmental organizations…
  2. to facilitate common action and/or joint initiatives by some or all of its member groups

The values of the AEN:

  • Transparent
  • Accountable
  • Credible
  • Fair
  • Honest
  • Accurate
  • Compassionate
  • Collaborative
  • Inspiring
  • Supportive
  • Respecting diversity
Application Instructions: 

Please reply to [email protected] by Friday, April 27, 2018 providing:

  • Contact information of applicant (including address, email, and phone number);
  • The name of the environmental non-governmental organization endorsing the applicant;
  • A brief description of the applicant’s background and abilities, particularly those relevant to the selection criteria;
  • Delegates may include a resume as additional information but not in the place of the other information requested.

Selection is expected to take place on the May conference call of the Clean Air & Energy Caucus.