The Canadian government announced that it will start consultations on implementing fuel consumption regulations in the country.

Following new rules signed into law in the U.S., Canada said it plans to regulate the fuel consumption of new cars and light trucks, beginning with the 2011 model year.

In December, the U.S. set a target of hitting a fleetwide average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

"We welcome the U.S. goal, but are committed to developing made-in-Canada standards that achieve — at minimum — that same target in Canada," said Lawrence Cannon, minister of transport, infrastructure and communities.

In 2006, the combined car and light truck new vehicle fleet average fuel consumption was approximately 8.6 liters per 100 kilometers in Canada, equivalent to 27 miles per gallon.

The minister's office said transportation is one of the largest sources of air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

It accounts for about 25 percent of the country's greenhouse gas emissions, growing by 27 percent between 1990 and 2004.

Cars and light trucks together account for about 12 percent of total national emissions, according to the government.

The minister's office said consultations on the development of the new regulations will include the automotive industry, environmental non-governmental organizations, provinces and territories, and other stakeholders.

The government expects the final regulations to be published by the end of this year.