Car Heaven a Smash Hit, Alberta's program to replace old polluting cars is launched08/07/2004Calgary alderman Bob Hawkesworth and MLA Jon Lord were among the VIPs wielding sledgehammers at an old, high-polluting automobile to launch this year's Car Heaven campaign in Alberta. The year-round program, run by Climate Change Central, is dedicated to accelerating the retirement of older, higher polluting vehicles and to promoting a shift from traditional forms of transportation to cleaner alternatives. "I shudder every time I see an old car bellowing blue smoke," said Allan Amey, President and CEO of Climate Change Central, "We need to take a whack at these junkers and get them off the road." The Car Heaven program in Alberta scrapped approximately 450 vehicles in the past six months, resulting in a reduction of over 2,400 tonnes of GHG emissions and 675 tonnes of smog forming pollutants. Donated vehicles are dismantled and recycled by a participating member of the Alberta Auto Recyclers and Dismantlers Association (AARDA). None of the vehicles donated to the program are allowed back out onto the streets. Participants in Car Heaven are awarded modest tax receipts from the Kidney Foundation and also become eligible for incentives, such as bicycles and transit passes, and the chance to win prizes such as a cross-Canada rail trip. About Climate Change Central Climate Change Central is a public-private partnership established as a catalyst for, and coordinator of, activities by individuals, businesses, institutions and governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta. About Clean Air Foundation The Clean Air Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to developing, implementing and managing public engagement programs and strategic initiatives that lead to a measurable improvement in air quality. The Foundation manages six public engagement programs - Car Heaven, Keep Cool, Mow Down Pollution, Energy Wise, Switch Out and Cool Shops. For further information or to request an interview, please contact: John Rilett 403-517-2730 Climate Change Central jrilett@climatechangecentral.com Myra Reisler Media Relations Media Profile 888-504-8464 myra@mediaprofile.com |
