Trailer GHG Rules Paused; Two Chemicals Cleared

Summary#

• The Canada Gazette published notices on May 14, 2022 about three Environment items: an interim order that pauses trailer-specific greenhouse‑gas rules, and final screening assessments for two chemical substances.
• The interim order says Canada’s trailer rules will not apply to trailers finished on or after January 1, 2020. The two chemicals were assessed and the government proposes no further action for now.

What it does#

• Interim Order Modifying the Operation of the Heavy‑duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations (Trailer Standards)
  • Temporarily stops applying the trailer parts of the Heavy‑duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations to trailers manufactured on or after January 1, 2020.
  • The order was made by Steven Guilbeault on April 19, 2022 after a U.S. court decision on November 12, 2021 that affected equivalent U.S. trailer standards. The suspension is temporary and will end in line with the processes described in the order.
• Screening assessments under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) for two substances — the ministers propose no further action at this time:
  • 1‑propene, 2‑methyl‑, sulfurized (sulfurized isobutylene), CAS RN 68511‑50‑2 — found unlikely to cause ecological harm and not meeting CEPA danger criteria for human health or the environment.
  • Silanamine, 1,1,1‑trimethyl‑N‑(trimethylsilyl)‑, hydrolysis products with silica (TMSS), CAS RN 68909‑20‑6 — also judged unlikely to cause ecological harm and not to meet CEPA criteria.
  • Both assessments were signed by Steven Guilbeault and Jean‑Yves Duclos and say there is a low risk based on available information.

Who's affected#

• Trailer order:
  • Trailer manufacturers, importers and sellers of heavy‑duty trailers in Canada.
  • Fleets and trucking companies that buy, register, modify or certify trailers.
  • Regulators and compliance teams tracking greenhouse‑gas standards and cross‑border alignment with U.S. rules.
• Chemical assessments:
  • Companies that import, formulate or use sulfurized isobutylene (reported uses: lubricants and greases; 2011 imports reported at 10,000 kg to 100,000 kg).
  • Companies that use TMSS in products (reported uses: cosmetics, adhesives, paints, silicone rubbers, inks, medical devices, food packaging, pest‑control products, and some natural health products; 2011 import reported at 212,498 kg).
  • Workers in manufacturing and people who use these consumer products may be interested, though the assessments say current evidence shows low risk.

Why it matters#

• Trailer order:
  • In plain terms: some Canadian trailer‑specific greenhouse‑gas requirements are on hold for trailers finished on or after January 1, 2020. That can reduce immediate compliance obligations for trailer makers and sellers. It may also affect how Canada aligns with the United States on vehicle emissions rules while officials decide next steps. The pause is temporary and tied to further federal action.
• Chemical assessments:
  • The government reviewed available data and concluded these two substances do not meet CEPA’s tests for requiring action now. That means no new federal controls are being proposed at this time, and businesses using these substances can continue under current rules.
  • The assessments rely on survey and study data (some from 2011) and note uncertainties. The conclusions are based on what is known now; new information could lead to different decisions later.