THUNDER BAY, ON - June 18, 2008 - Former Government of Canada Chief of Transportation Technology recognized for leadership and innovation in alternative fuel vehicles
(Ottawa, ON, June 18, 2008) Canada's Bernard James was one of four recipients of the NGV World Champion Award at the biennial International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles Conference held recently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The awards recognize leadership in alternative fuel public policy, technology innovation, and the advancement of the global natural gas vehicle industry. Mr. James held successive positions at Natural Resources Canada, serving as the Chief of Transportation Technology from 1992 to 1997. On behalf of the Government of Canada, he led the early stage research that laid the groundwork for many of Canada's leading gaseous fuel transportation technology companies.
Previous recipients of the NGV World Champion award include former New York State Governor George Pataki and Egyptian Minister for Petroleum, His Excellency Engineer Sameh Fahmi. Governor Pataki initiated public policy measures in support of alternative fuel vehicles. Minister Fahmi has implemented strategies resulting in Egypt ranking within the world's top 15 countries for natural gas vehicle use.
Mr. James' contributions to the development of codes and standards for natural gas vehicles were highlighted. He served as Chair of the International Energy Agency Agreement on Alternative Motor Fuels. He also chaired the International Standards Organization Working Group for the development of high pressure cylinders. This led to the development of the standard that is used around the world today for compressed gas storage on the world's 8.5 million natural gas vehicles. The standard also serves as an important reference for the ongoing development of fuel storage standards for hydrogen vehicles.
"I am honoured by this recognition. I was fortunate to have worked for Natural Resources Canada at a time when energy and the environment were at the forefront of government activities. We had programs to support the commercialization of natural gas vehicles and research activities in support of a range of alternative fuels. Unfortunately, with the shift in focus to hydrogen and liquid biofuels, federal support for natural gas vehicles ended. With natural gas at nearly half the price of gasoline and diesel, perhaps it's time to re-think this position, particularly given the emissions benefits and the ability of natural gas vehicles to operate on fully renewable biomethane made from landfill gas and from other waste energy sources."