Policy Monitor Canada » Climate Change

B.C. Consults on Zero Net Deforestation

Admin — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:41:47 +0000

VICTORIA – The Province is inviting input until July 9 to develop an implementation plan for the Zero Net Deforestation Act passed earlier this year. The act’s main goal is to achieve zero net deforestation in British Columbia by 2015.

Planting trees to convert non-forest lands into forested areas and finding ways to decrease deforestation are part of British Columbia’s Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

First Nations, communities, sector associations, industry and all other British Columbians are asked to submit their comments before July 9 by:

Using an electronic response form at www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/znd/feedback.htm.
Sending an email to ZND@gov.bc.ca, or
Mailing a written reply to:

Tom Niemann

Product Innovation and Climate Change Branch

Ministry of Forests and Range

PO Box 9525 Stn Prov Govt

Victoria, B.C. V8W 9C3

A summary of the submissions will be made available this fall.

Deforestation occurs when forests are permanently cleared for a non-forest land use such as building a highway, developing a housing subdivision, or extracting oil and gas or mineral resources. Timber harvesting in sustainably managed forests is not considered deforestation. Forest licensees in B.C. are required by law to reforest.

Visit www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/znd for more information about zero net deforestation.

Government of Canada to Regulate Emissions from Electricity Sector

Admin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 05:01:27 +0000

OTTAWA, Ont. - June 23, 2010 - Today, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment, announced that the Government of Canada is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector by moving forward with regulations on coal-fired electricity generation.

“Today’s announcement positions Canada one step closer to reaching its goal of being a clean energy superpower,” said Minister Prentice. “A responsible, clear phase-out of the electricity sector’s inefficient coal-fired generation will allow ample time for the implementation of cleaner generation technologies. This will create new jobs in the clean-energy sector, while helping Canada meets its commitment to greenhouse gas reductions.”

Thirteen per cent of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from coal-fired electricity generation units. The proposed regulations will apply a stringent performance standard to new coal-fired electricity generation units and those coal-fired units that have reached the end of their economic life.

Canada’s fleet of coal burning electricity plants consists of 51 units, with 33 coming to the end of their economic life by 2025. The gradual phase-out of traditional coal-fired electricity generation is expected to have a significant impact on reducing emissions. This policy, coupled with the commitments of the provinces, and companies who have committed to coal closures, will reduce emissions by about 15 megatonnes (Mt). This is equivalent to taking about 3.2 million vehicles off our roads.

The Government of Canada is continuing to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a sector-by-sector basis. In the transportation sector, draft regulations have already been published mandating an average 5 per cent renewable fuel content in gasoline, as well as draft regulations that are harmonized with the Obama Administration to reduce GHGs from passenger vehicles. Canada and the United States will also work together to reduce emissions from trucks vehicles.

Draft regulations to reduce GHGs from the electricity sector are expected to be published in Canada Gazette early in 2011 and final regulations published later that year. This will allow sufficient time for consultations and outreach with industry and other stakeholders. Regulations are scheduled to come into effect on July 1, 2015.

As inscribed in the Copenhagen Accord, Canada has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020, a target which reflects the importance of harmonizing our overall approach with that of the United States.

BC Proposed Woodstove Regulation

Admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 22:55:38 +0000

Proposed Changes to the Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation

The Ministry of Environment intends to review and revise the Solid Fuel Burning Domestic Appliance Regulation (SFBDAR) in keeping with actions set out in the B.C. Air Action Plan. In addition to meeting the Air Action Plan goal, the review process supports the ministry’s commitment to continuous improvement and to regularly review regulations in order to revise provisions as appropriate.

The SFBDAR aims to reduce air pollution from domestic wood heating by regulating the sale of woodstoves and other solid fuel burning domestic appliances in B.C. The objective of the proposed revisions is to further reduce impacts on human health and ecosystems by further reducing air pollution from domestic wood heating.

The content of the proposed regulatory changes is outlined in the policy intentions paper below.

Intentions Paper (PDF/134 KB)

Interested parties are encouraged to read the policy intentions paper and provide any comments to the ministry on the response form below, or by fax, email or letter to the consultation contact indicated below.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS JULY 2, 2010

Following careful review of all comments, suggestions and submissions received through the consultation process, government staff will complete legal drafting of the amendment for legislative review and implementation. A summary of public comment will also be prepared and posted on the consultation web page. Comments received after the submission deadline date will still be reviewed by the ministry but may not be included in consultation summary reporting.

Comments received and the identity of those providing comments will be treated with confidentiality by ministry staff and contractors. However, please note that comments you provide and information that identifies you as the source of those comments may be publicly available if a request is made under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

For more information on the consultation process and the development of policy intentions papers, see Consultation Process for Policy Intentions Papers and Codes of Practice & Regulatory Reviews.

Response Form

Response Form, PDF version (PDF/117 KB)
Response Form, Word version (DOC/87 KB)
Response Form, HTML version (Direct Submission)

Web Consultation Contact

The Ministry has contracted Cindy Bertram of C. Rankin & Associates to manage the consultation process. Please review the posted policy intentions paper, and submit comments by fax, e-mail, letter, or in the applicable response form by July 2, 2010. Cindy Bertram’s contact information is:

Canada’s Energy Future Conference

Admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:52:53 +0000

Energy Futures Conference 2010

On 12 March 2010, the National Energy Board (NEB or Board) hosted a one-day, conference in Ottawa as a follow up to the successful Energy Futures workshop held in 2008. The theme of the conference was Building a Sustainable Energy Future. Twenty-three experts presented to conference participants on their area of expertise, and commented on the relevant issues concerning Canada’s sustainability. Conference topics focused on energy market trends (i.e., energy supply, demand and prices) and associated factors that influence these trends (e.g., environmental policies, economic conditions, etc.).

The conference provided a forum for interested energy stakeholders in Canada to discuss long-term energy issues. The benefit of a conference is that it can expose participants to diverse energy views; allow for real-time communication, discussion and networking and finally, provide an opportunity to discuss timely issues. This year, these issues included volatile energy markets and economic conditions, announced government policies and impending government legislation.

It is the NEB’s intent that information gathered at the conference be used to guide our future energy analysis. It will also be useful for work that our stakeholders may undertake. To this end, the NEB has prepared this high-level summary of the conference proceedings and has posted all of the conference presentations on our external website. To view these presentations and related material to the Energy Futures report please visit www.neb-one.gc.ca. Please note that the views contained in this document and the presentations reflect speaker opinions and are not necessarily views of the Board.

National Energy Board Invites Participation in the Public Review of Arctic Offshore Drilling Requirements

Admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:45:35 +0000

CALGARY - The National Energy Board (NEB) is inviting participation in its public review of Arctic offshore drilling requirements.

The NEB, which has regulatory oversight for offshore drilling in the Canadian Arctic, announced on 11 May that it would be looking into Arctic safety and environmental offshore drilling requirements. The NEB expects to complete this review before receiving applications for drilling in the Arctic offshore.

A preliminary scope of the review is available on the NEB website at www.neb-one.gc.ca. The preliminary scope includes topics such as drilling safely while protecting the environment, responding effectively when things go wrong, and lessons learned from major accidents elsewhere.

Those who wish to participate in this review can register at the NEB’s website or provide their contact information by 16 July 2010 to:

Anne-Marie Erickson, Secretary of the Board
National Energy Board
444 Seventh Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0X8
Fax: 403-292-5503 or (toll free): 1-877-288-8803
File Number: OF-EP-Gen-EPGen-AODR 01

Comments on the preliminary scope should be provided by the same date.

The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several parts of Canada’s energy industry. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest.

NFLD Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Discussion Paper

Admin — Mon, 31 May 2010 23:34:08 +0000

Government Launches a Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Discussion Paper

Executive Council
Natural Resources
Environment and Conservation
May 31, 2010Government Launches a Climate Change and
Energy Efficiency Discussion Paper

The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today released a public discussion paper entitled Responding to Climate Change In Newfoundland and Labrador. The paper is being released to stimulate public discussion on the Provincial Government’s strategy development on climate change and energy efficiency.

“Our government believes that Newfoundland and Labrador can be a global leader in how to respond to climate change,” said Premier Williams. “We understand that climate change is not just an environmental issue. It is equally an economic and social issue that can impact the province and its people, and can also present opportunities for clean energy development, job growth and the application of innovative technologies. We have a vast energy warehouse including clean, green, renewable resources like the Lower Churchill and wind power. These resources, coupled with our world-renowned expertise in oceans and environmental technologies, will enable the province to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, maintain strong economic growth and adapt to climate change.”

In the province’s Energy Plan: Focusing Our Energy, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador committed to update its 2005 Climate Change Action Plan, and to develop an energy efficiency strategy and a greenhouse gas strategy for the energy-intensive sector, which includes the large industrial companies operating in the province. Collectively, these strategies will build on the Provincial Government’s existing initiatives and set a future course to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

“Climate change is a long-term challenge, and responding to it demands clean energy development, more efficient use of energy in our homes and businesses, and enhanced innovation and technology development,” said Minister Dunderdale. “As climate change can affect all parts of our province and economy, it is important that we develop actions that are environmentally progressive and economically prudent. I encourage interested stakeholders to engage with government as we develop these strategies.”

“Climate change can impact the people, communities and natural environment of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Johnson. “As a government we have committed to respond to this challenge by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The strategies we are developing will chart a course for the province on continuing to respond to this challenge, and I encourage the public to engage us on what direction we should pursue.”

The Provincial Government will be conducting stakeholder consultations across the province. Individuals interested in making a contribution to the development of these strategies can access the discussion paper and feedback form at www.gov.nl.ca/exec/cceeet or by contacting climatechange@gov.nl.ca. The deadline for submissions is July 31, 2010.

Canada Announces Continental Approach to Reduce GHG Emissions from Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Admin — Sat, 22 May 2010 03:57:33 +0000

VANCOUVER, B.C. — May 21, 2010 – Today, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment, announced that the Government of Canada will regulate greenhouse gas emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Canada’s regulations will be aligned with those of the United States.

“Canada and the United States had great success in establishing common standards for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from passenger automobiles and light trucks,” said Minister Prentice. “Building on our strong working relationship with the Obama administration, we are taking the next logical step by addressing emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.”

Environment Canada will develop proposed regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles. Over the coming months, the Government will be working with the heavy-duty trucking industry, including manufacturers and users, to develop these regulations. A consultation draft of the regulations is expected to be available for comment from industry, stakeholders and the public in the fall of 2010. The final regulations will be implemented between the 2014 and 2018 model year.

In Canada, the transportation sector accounts for about a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. Heavy-duty vehicles account for about 6 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Reducing emissions in this sector will help us achieve our 2020 target of a 17 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2005 levels.

Related Document:

Canada’s Clean Automotive Success Story
[Backgrounder]

Canada and U.S. Expand Clean Energy Collaboration

Admin — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:29:09 +0000

Canada–U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue Declaration of Intent for Cooperation in Energy Science and Technology

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Governments of Canada and the United States took another step on the development of clean energy technology under the Canada–U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue.

The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, and Steven Chu, U.S. Secretary of Energy, signed the Declaration of Intent (DOI) for Cooperation in Energy Science and Technology. The DOI provides a formal structure for collaborative activities between the two countries focused initially on expanded research and development in bioenergy and carbon capture and storage.

“Canada, in partnership with the United States, is investing in research and development on new clean energy technologies in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a low-carbon economy,” said Minister Paradis. “We are working together, under the Clean Energy Dialogue, to ensure economic competitiveness includes leadership on the environment.”

The DOI was highlighted under the Canada–U.S. Clean Energy Dialogue Action Plan put forth by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama in September 2009. It will facilitate the sharing of resources and the exchange of technical information on research and development activities related to bioenergy and carbon capture and storage.

The DOI will benefit a number of collaborative projects between Canada and the U.S. For example, it will facilitate the advancement of the North American Carbon Atlas Project, which is developing a common approach to mapping geological areas in North America that could be suitable for carbon capture and storage. It will support research into the productivity and harvesting methods of algae and its ability to produce biofuels. The DOI will also allow for further development of new coal gasification technology to reduce emissions from the production of coal.

The DOI was signed following the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, where ministers from countries in North and South America gathered to discuss strengthening energy security, promoting alternative energy resources and acting together to address the effects of global climate change.

Public Consultation on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

Admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:15:55 +0000

A Message from the Minister

To maintain our standard of living in the 21st century, Canada must address the challenge of environmental sustainability. The issues are well known; we need to address climate change and air quality, maintain water availability and quality, and protect our natural heritage. Environmental issues must be balanced with economic considerations. By doing so, we can make long-term sustainable progress on the environment that is integrated with progress on the economic and social agenda for Canadians.

I am pleased to present to Canadians this consultation paper, Planning for a Sustainable Future: A Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada, that will both strengthen how government promotes environmental sustainability, and improve the transparency and accountability of how we do it.

This Federal Sustainable Development Strategy represents a major step forward for the Government of Canada by including environmental sustainability as an integral part of its decision-making processes. It replaces a system that was established in 1995, when amendments to the Auditor General Act required key federal departments and agencies to table in Parliament their individual strategies for sustainable development. The old system had many problems and did not achieve the intended results. Without one government-wide strategy, environmental sustainability issues were often pushed to the margins of federal planning and reporting. There were no goals, no targets, and no way to measure federal accomplishments. In government as elsewhere, what gets measured gets done.

This system had many critics. In 2002, for example, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) observed that watching 32 departments and agencies try to prepare their strategies in the absence of an over-arching government-wide plan was like watching people try to assemble a large jigsaw puzzle without the picture on the box. Because the individual strategies were not integrated into broader government goals and targets, their contribution to environmental sustainability was very modest. The federal government was not showing leadership, and it was not delivering results.

To strengthen the system and to address some of the weaknesses found by the CESD, we are proposing a new approach. The three key elements of this strategy represent the first major improvement in the system since 1995. First, the strategy will provide an integrated, whole of government picture of actions to achieve environmental sustainability. Second, we are linking sustainable development planning and reporting with the government’s core expenditure planning and reporting system. And finally, we are establishing effective measurement, monitoring and reporting in order to track and report on progress to Canadians.

The Government of Canada welcomes this opportunity to improve planning and reporting for environmental sustainability. Taking into account international best practices and the purpose of the Federal Sustainable Development Act, Canada’s first Federal Sustainable Development Strategy will take a pragmatic approach, based on key priorities.

The proposed approach is one of responsible, practical progress. It will deliver a significant advance in terms of sustainable development in Canada, and will also allow the government to build on it as we learn over time. Focusing on environmental sustainability at the outset will allow the government to address environmental sustainability in a clear and coherent way, while at the same time placing an emphasis on getting the framework right.

This consultation paper outlines the Strategy. It responds to the advice of many, including the CESD, on how to improve transparency and accountability. Now we are seeking further input and advice from the Commissioner, the Sustainable Development Advisory Council, Parliament, and all interested Canadians.

The paper sets out long-term goals and, for each goal, a series of targets for short- and medium-term action. Each goal and target is supported by specific government initiatives–some of which have already been launched, and some that will lead very soon to specific policies and programs.

Planning for a Sustainable Future will help Canadians and Parliament identify whether there are gaps in the system, and how effective the government has been in hitting the targets it has set. It will become a very valuable tool to help government set ambitious goals that will lead to a more sustainable Canada.

For the first time the Government of Canada will have a coherent strategy for sustainable development across the various departments and agencies. The Strategy will streamline the way these departments and agencies report, and put sustainable development at the heart of government decision-making. This Strategy will be more transparent to Canadians, hold government departments and their Ministers more accountable, and will deliver better results.

I am looking forward to receiving guidance from Canadians on the issues that are presented in this consultation paper, and I am looking forward to implementing the new Strategy.

Jim Prentice
Minister of the Environment

How to provide input

The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Consultation Paper is available for download from the links below in PDF format.

Download the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy Consultation Paper:

Planning for a Sustainable Future: A Federal Sustainable Development Strategy for Canada (PDF FORMAT – 296 KB)
Download free Acrobat PDF Reader. Alternative formats are available by submitting a request by email at sdo-bdd@ec.gc.ca.

Your comments on the draft Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be provided by email to sdo-bdd@ec.gc.ca or mailed to the Sustainable Development Office at Environment Canada at the following address by July 12, 2010:

Federal Sustainable Development Office
10 Wellington Street, 25th Floor
Environment Canada
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3

A summary of the public input received will be posted online shortly after the completion of the review period.

Renewable Energy Initiative

Admin — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:09:36 +0000

Toronto, Ontario – The Renewable Energy Initiative was introduced today as a first step in a program application process, through funding of $70 million for energy efficiency upgrades of existing social and new affordable housing projects. Announcements will be made this spring on requests for quotations from suppliers and on the application process so that organizations can apply for funding.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Jim Bradley, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing made the announcement.

The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this investment as part of the Government of Canada’s funding announced under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for Ontario. This will lead to improved energy efficiency and support the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems in existing and new affordable housing that are capable of generating energy and selling surplus energy back into the electrical grid.

The funding for today’s announcement is part of a joint investment of more than $1.2 billion over two years through an amendment to the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement which was announced in June 2009.

The Government of Canada wants to improve the quality of existing social housing to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity in their communities, close to family and friends. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides over two years $850 million for the renovation and retrofit of existing social housing, plus a further $475 million to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. These new housing investments also address Canada’s goals with respect to climate change and the environment. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Ontario is investing $704 million to repair eligible social housing across the province. In addition, the province has already approved more than $382 million for construction-ready projects, which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities across the province. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan can be found at www.actionplan.gc.ca. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.

LEARN MORE

http://www.cmhc.ca