Policy Monitor Canada » Energy

Saskatchewan Review of New Results Based Environmental Code

PMC — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:52:01 +0000

The Ministry of Environment is initiating a public review of the draft Saskatchewan Environmental Code. This is the next key step in implementing a new results-based approach to environmental regulation.

“The ministry has embarked on an ambitious journey to reinvent how it regulates, oversees and manages impacts on the environment and natural resources,” Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. “The code is a critical element of the results based approach, which includes increased transparency and stronger accountability tools, more attention on high-risk areas, improved client service and ultimately, enhanced environmental management.”

The results-based model focuses on required environmental outcomes and encourages innovation by making the proponent accountable to find the best way to achieve or exceed the required outcomes. The Saskatchewan Environmental Code, the first of its kind in Canada, will provide guidance on the design of environmental systems and facilities. It has chapters describing the acceptable results and standards for particular activities associated with development.

Three pieces of legislation – The Environmental Management and Protection Act, The Forest Resources Management Act, and The Environmental Assessment Act – were updated to support the results-based approach. The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act, which is new legislation, also requires the development of code chapters. All four pieces of legislation were passed, but not proclaimed, in the spring 2010 legislative session. Once required sections of the code are completed, the new legislative framework will be brought into effect.

“I wish to recognize the commitment and participation of stakeholders and Aboriginal groups that have been so critical to our success in developing the draft code to this point,” Saskatchewan Environmental Code Development Committee (CDC) Chair Wayne Clifton said. “The public review stage now provides an opportunity for the broader public and all interested parties to contribute to the development of the code.”

The development of the code has been a collaborative effort involving various companies, associations, provincial and federal government agencies, environmental non-governmental organizations, municipalities, First Nations and Métis communities, academia and knowledgeable private individuals. In all, more than 200 experts and industry leaders were involved, directly or indirectly, in the development of this code.

“I think this approach to regulation can work, provided that there is a commitment by all of us – business people, governments, regulators and citizens – to recognize environmental protection as the top priority,”

Saskatchewan Environmental Society board member Ann Coxworth said. “This means acknowledging that a healthy economy can exist only within the context of a healthy environment. The public review period is an important opportunity for people to let us know whether that commitment is there.”

An online introductory document, code executive summary and the 19 code chapters have been posted to the ministry website at http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca for public review and comment.

Stakeholder and Aboriginal meetings are being held January 30 in Regina; February 2 in Prince Albert; and February 3 in Saskatoon. The intent is to have the first edition of the code approved and the legislation proclaimed in 2012.

Code development is continuing. Work on additional chapters addressing other subject areas including linear developments, works in or near water and hazardous substances storage have already begun.

For more information, contact:
Michele McEachern
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0412
Email: michele.mceachern@gov.sk.ca

Alberta Property Rights Task Force

PMC — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 23:22:42 +0000

Policy Monitor Canada -

Premier appoints task force to ensure landowners heard

Edmonton… Premier Alison Redford has created a task force that will be asking Albertans for their concerns regarding property rights.

“We have heard concerns from landowners that their property rights need to be better respected,” said Redford. “We need to move towards a more common-sense approach when it comes to property rights.”

The task force will be chaired by Diana McQueen, Minister of Environment and Water, with Evan Berger, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, as the vice-chair.

Other members include Verlyn Olson, Q.C., Minister of Justice and Attorney General; Jeff Johnson, Minister of Infrastructure; Cal Dallas, Minister of Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations; Frank Oberle, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development; Raymond Prins, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka; and Arno Doerksen, MLA for Strathmore Brooks.

“We want to listen to Albertans and have a discussion about what property rights mean to them and what needs to be improved,” said McQueen.

In December, meetings will take place with stakeholders. In January, open houses will occur in several communities. To complement face-to-face efforts, a website will allow for written input from Albertans. Further details on how Albertans can participate will be released in the coming weeks.

-30-Media inquiries may be directed to:

Jay O’Neill
Office of the Premier
780-644-8096
jay.o’neill@gov.ab.ca

Mark Cooper
Communications
Alberta Environment and Water
780-427-6267

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Creation of the Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development

PMC — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:47:26 +0000

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Building Capacity in Developing Countries in the Area of Natural Resources Management

Perth, Australia

On October 27, 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the creation of the Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development. This announcement delivers on the Government of Canada’s commitment to support initiatives in developing countries that promote sustainable economic growth, create jobs and reduce long-term poverty.

This initiative will benefit partner countries by enhancing their capacity to manage their respective natural resources, including minerals, oil and gas.

The Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development

The newly created Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development will undertake policy research to identify best practices in extractive sector management for individual countries, and arrange technical assistance for governments and communities in developing countries through a partnership between the Federal government,Canada’s private sector and Canadian civil-society organizations. The Institute will draw on the lessons learned inCanadaon extractive sector management.

The Institute will be housed in a Canadian university that combines a strong public-policy capacity with knowledge of the extractive sector and of mining in particular. Selection of the university will be carried out through a competitive process and the successful applicant will be expected to make an in-kind contribution to the creation and operation of the Institute.

Canada’s Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy

The Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development complements the Government of Canada’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy for the Canadian International Extractive Sector, announced in March 2009, and Sustainable Economic Growth Strategy, announced in 2010.

The objective of the Strategy is to improve the competitive advantage of Canadian international extractive sector companies by enhancing their ability to manage social and environmental risks. The CSR Strategy is based on four pillars:

Support capacity building initiatives in developing countries to manage the development of minerals and oil and gas, and to benefit from these resources to reduce poverty
Promote the widely-recognized international CSR performance guidelines
Set up the Office of the Extractive Sector CSR Counsellor
Support the development of a CSR Centre of Excellence

Today’s announcement complements four recently announced pilot projects worth approximately $26.7 million designed to reduce poverty in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ghana, and Burkina Faso.

For more information on Canada’s Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy for the Canadian International Extractive Sector, please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s website (http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/ds/csr-strategy-rse-stategie.aspx?lang=eng&view=d).

BC Resource Roads Discussion Paper

PMC — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 01:03:42 +0000

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Do you use B.C.’s resource roads for work, recreation, or because you live in or visit rural communities off the public road system? If so, help us serve you better by contributing to the Natural Resource Road Act Project to improve resource road laws and regulation for the benefit of all users.

Comments are invited on a discussion paper that will help build the foundation for the Natural Resource Road Act. The principles and proposed policy framework presented in this discussion paper are the starting point for a single, streamlined law that applies to all resource roads in B.C.

You are invited to voice your concerns and suggest solutions that will work for everyone. Comments will be accepted until December 15, 2011.

GHG Reporting Regulation

PMC — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:05:56 +0000

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Notice with respect to reporting of greenhouse gases (GHGs) for 2011

DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

CANADIAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT, 1999

Notice with respect to reporting of greenhouse gases (GHGs) for 2011

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to subsection 46(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (the Act), that, with respect to emissions of GHGs identified in Schedule 1 to this notice and for the purpose of conducting research, creating an inventory of data, formulating objectives and codes of practice, issuing guidelines or assessing or reporting on the state of the environment, any person who operates a facility described in Schedule 3 to this notice during the 2011 calendar year, and who possesses or who may reasonably be expected to have access to information described in Schedule 4 to this notice, shall provide the Minister of the Environment with this information no later than June 1, 2012.

Information on GHG emissions requested under this notice shall be submitted to

Minister of the Environment
Pollutant Inventories and Reporting Division
Environment Canada
Fontaine Building, 8th Floor
200 Sacré-Cœur Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3

Enquiries concerning this notice shall be addressed to

Pollutant Inventories and Reporting Division
Environment Canada
Fontaine Building, 8th Floor
200 Sacré-Cœur Boulevard
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0H3
Telephone: 819-994-0684
Fax: 819-953-2347
Email: ges-ghg@ec.gc.ca

This notice applies to the calendar year 2011. Pursuant to subsection 46(8) of the Act, persons subject to this notice shall keep copies of the required information, together with any calculations, measurements and other data on which the information is based, at the facility to which the calculations, measurements and other data relate, or at the facility’s parent company, located in Canada, for a period of three years from the date the information is required to be submitted. Where the person chooses to keep the information required under the notice, together with any calculations, measurements and other data, at the facility’s parent company in Canada, that person shall inform the Minister of the civic address of that parent company.

If a person who operates a facility, with respect to which information was submitted in response to the Notice with respect to reporting of greenhouse gases (GHGs) for 2010, determines that the facility does not meet the criteria for reporting set out in this notice, the person shall notify the Minister of the Environment that the facility does not meet these criteria no later than June 1, 2012.

The Minister of the Environment intends to publish greenhouse gas emission totals by gas by facility. Pursuant to section 51 of the Act, any person subject to this notice who provides information in response to this notice may submit, with their information, a written request that it be treated as confidential based on the reasons set out in section 52 of the Act. The person requesting confidential treatment of the information shall indicate which of the reasons in section 52 of the Act applies to their request. Nevertheless, the Minister may disclose, in accordance with subsection 53(3) of the Act, information submitted in response to this notice. Every person to whom a notice is directed shall comply with the notice. A person who fails to comply with the Act is subject to the offence provision.

DAVID MORIN
Acting Director General
Science and Risk Assessment Directorate
On behalf of the Minister of the Environment

Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Generation of Electricity Regulations

PMC — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 16:24:41 +0000

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REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENTIssue: Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are primary contributors to climate change. The most significant sources of GHG emissions are anthropogenic, mostly as a result of combustion of fossil fuels. The emissions of GHGs have been increasing significantly since the industrial revolution and this trend is likely to continue if no action is taken. In 2008, the latest year of emissions data available under Canada’s National Inventory Report under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), GHG emissions from the electricity generation sector contributed around 16% (or approximately 120 megatonnes [Mt]) to Canada’s inventory of emissions. In the same year, coal-fired electricity generation was responsible for 93 Mt of GHG emissions in Canada, which represent 78% of total electricity sector emissions. Canadian historical data indicates that emissions in 2008 were about 19% above the 1990 levels.

In December 2009, the Government of Canada committed to a national greenhouse gas reduction target of 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, and inscribed this in the Copenhagen Accord. Our 2020 target is aligned with that of the United States (U.S.).

To achieve its target, the Government has established and is implementing a comprehensive plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in all major emitting sectors, on a sector by sector basis. On June 23, 2010, the Government announced it would take action to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector by moving forward with regulations on coal-fired electricity generation.

Description: The proposed Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Generation of Electricity Regulations (the proposed Regulations) will set a stringent performance standard for new coal-fired units and those that have reached the end of their useful life. This will phase out high-emitting coal-fired generation and promote a transition towards lower- or non-emitting types of generation such as high-efficiency natural gas, renewable energy, or fossil fuel-fired power with carbon capture and storage.

The performance standard element of the proposed Regulations would come into effect on July 1, 2015. In addition, units would be required to begin reporting two years in advance of when they reach their end of useful life date or, in the case of new units, in the first year of operation. Regulated entities would then be subject to enforcement and compliance requirements and penalties as specified under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999).

The Government’s approach to addressing climate change is based on the principle of balancing environmental and economic considerations. The electricity industry is facing major capital stock turnover and regulatory uncertainty is impeding investments in new generation capacity.

Cost-benefit statement: The proposed Regulations are estimated to result in a reduction of approximately 175 Mt CO₂e of GHG emissions over the period 2015–2030. The present value of the costs of the proposed Regulations is estimated at $8.2 billion, largely due to the incremental natural gas costs ($4.8 billion), reduced net exports and new capital costs. The present value of the benefits are estimated at $9.7 billion, largely due to the avoided social cost of carbon (SCC) of $4.3 billion, avoided generation costs of $3.8 billion, and health benefits from reduced smog exposure of $1.4 billion. The net present value (NPV) of the proposed Regulations is estimated at $1.5 billion. A sensitivity analysis shows that this NPV could change somewhat depending on the value of key variables such as fuel prices and discount rate. The results of the analysis are expressed in $2010 and are discounted at 3%.

Business and consumer impacts: The estimated cost increase from the proposed Regulations would represent approximately 0.63% of the average total electricity bill over 16 years. It is expected that the cost increase would be passed onto consumers in proportion to their consumption. The estimated average cost increases over a 16-year period are expected to be small, ranging from $0.73/month in Saskatchewan on the lower end, to $2.14/month in Alberta.

The proposed Regulations are also expected to result in increases in electricity prices paid by industrial sectors. However, such impacts are expected to be a very small portion of total industry costs over the 16-year period analyzed.

Domestic and international coordination and cooperation: The proposed Regulations will help move Canada towards the Government’s stated commitment to reduce GHG emissions to 17% below 2005 levels by 2020, which was inscribed in the Copenhagen Accord and is in alignment with the U.S. target. There are not expected to be any impacts on international trade agreements, and within the domestic market, the proposed Regulations reinforce the significant commitments that have already been made by provinces (e.g. Ontario) to reduce emissions from coal-fired electricity generation.

Performance measurement and evaluation plan: The Performance Measurement and Evaluation Plan (PMEP) describes the desired outcomes of the proposed Regulations such as GHG emissions reductions and reduced high-emitting coal-fired generation and establishes indicators to measure and evaluate the performance of the proposed Regulations in achieving these outcomes. The measurement and evaluation will be tracked on a yearly basis, with a five-year compilation assessment, and will be based on the information and data submitted in accordance with the reporting requirements and other readily available data and information sources.

Nova Scotia Amendments to Renewable Electricity Regulations

PMC — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:09:19 +0000

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The province released the proposed amendments to the renewable electricity regulations today, June 27, for a 30-day public comment period.

“These proposed changes will ensure we reach our renewable electricity goals of stabilizing electricity costs and creating a greener, more sustainable province for future generations,” said Energy Minister Charlie Parker. “We look forward to the public’s comments on these changes that we feel will increase the amount of renewable electricity produced in the province.”

The regulations, enacted in October 2010, were developed following a comprehensive consultation process. At that time, government indicated amendments would be required as additional decisions were made.

“This is another step in putting our Renewable Electricity Plan in action and encouraging renewable energy development in our communities,” said Mr. Parker. “These projects will help create jobs, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, stabilize electricity prices and allow us to meet our 2015 and 2020 energy targets.”

The amendments include:
– Confirming in regulation the renewable electricity target of 40 per cent by 2020
– Defining how much power, about 20 per cent, from the Lower Churchill project that Nova Scotia Power must use to meet the 2020 provincial renewable electricity target
– Providing for the possibility of Nova Scotia Power surpassing, rather than just meeting, its minimum renewable electricity target for 2013
– Balancing wind with other electricity resources to meet 2013 and 2015 renewable electricity targets while ensuring system reliability
– Reflecting government’s announced cap on the use of forest biomass for electricity, and specifying that biomass can not be primary forest products and used first as fuel
– Improving the definition of First Nations eligibility
– Setting a minimum of Nova Scotia capital invested.

A copy of the proposed amendments and a guide providing a description of the policy rationale and how the amendments are intended to work can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/energy/public-consultation/.

Comments will be accepted on or before July 27. Send comments in writing by mail or email to:

Renewable Electricity Regulations
Regulatory and Strategic Policy
Nova Scotia Department of Energy
5151 George St., Suite 400
P.O. Box 2664
Halifax, NS B3J 3P7

E-mail: renewableregs@gov.ns.ca

All submissions, including names of people making them, will be available on the Department of Energy website at http://www.gov.ns.ca/energy/

New Brunswick Energy Commission Report

PMC — Tue, 24 May 2011 23:33:48 +0000

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Province receives final report from Energy Commission

FREDERICTON (CNB) – The provincial government received today the final report from the New Brunswick Energy Commission containing more than 50 recommendations focused upon developing a 10-year energy plan.

Co-chairs Jeannot Volpé and William Thompson prepared the final document after receiving input from those who attended public or stakeholder meetings; made presentations; provided written and online input; or participated in dialogue sessions over the past six months. This first phase was followed by a feedback document released in April that provided an opportunity for more input during the past month. During this part of the process the commission received another 200 responses from the public and stakeholders.

“We will now move forward with many of the recommendations in the report and will commence the necessary analysis of others that will require a longer timeframe to review,” said Energy Minister Craig Leonard. “Overall, I am very pleased that we will have a New Brunswick energy plan that incorporates the knowledge and opinions of residents from all areas of the province.

“Now that we have the commission’s report, our government will examine the document fully and take the necessary time to review the numerous recommendations. Some are more complex than others and will take additional time to examine to understand clearly all of the costs and ramifications.”

The document was developed by the commission from information gathered through more than 1,400 completed surveys submitted online, reviewing more than 200 public dialogue attendee surveys, meeting with more than 60 stakeholder groups and receiving nearly 75 public presentations.

“Today we are providing a final report that represents what we heard from New Brunswickers,” said Volpé. “We thank all those who attended one of our public sessions, submitted briefs, made presentations or completed online surveys. We also thank those who provided more input on our feedback document released last month as that helped shape our final report.”

The final report makes recommendations in the areas of electricity, natural gas, petroleum products, energy efficiency, renewable energy, regulatory matters, development and research, and for improving education and raising awareness.

“The commission did considerable research and weighed several competing interests in developing more than 50 recommendations to structure an energy plan for our province over the next 10 years,” said Thompson. “We believe New Brunswickers take great pride in knowing that their ideas and concerns are being addressed in setting out this long-term energy plan. ”

Five key objectives were identified during the public engagement process:

developing a plan for low and stable priced energy;
ensuring the security of energy supplies;
setting high standards of reliability in the generation and delivery of electricity;
producing, distributing and transmitting energy in an environmentally responsible manner; and
strengthening and expanding the role of the independent energy and utility regulator.

The provincial government created the New Brunswick Energy Commission with a mandate to conduct a broad public consultation and report to government on a long-term energy plan. The commission has now completed its work. The final report and more information on its mandate are available online.

LINK:

? New Brunswick Energy Commission: www.gnb.ca/energycommission

"Shaping Alberta’s Future" Report By Economic Council

PMC — Thu, 05 May 2011 17:22:19 +0000

Policy Monitor Canada -

May 5, 2011
Council says Albertans uniquely able to shape a prosperous future

Edmonton… A new report challenges Albertans to consider recommendations that focus on the province’s long-term prosperity by realizing the full potential of Alberta’s energy resources and broadening its economic base.

Shaping Alberta’s Future, the report from the 12-member Premier’s Council for Economic Strategy, also calls on all Albertans to consider their role to ensure future success.

“My goal for this council was to ‘think big’ on how we can best position Alberta, looking 30 years into the future. This type of long-term planning has been done on behalf of all Albertans, and their children and grandchildren,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “Now it’s time for all Albertans to contemplate this report and provide comment on their role in creating the future they want to see and how to contribute to positive change.”

The report is organized under five themes.

Realizing the full potential of our energy resources – ensuring Albertans benefit from energy development as long as possible while addressing environmental impacts and entering new markets
Broadening the economic base – delivering new products and services into new markets, outside the U.S.
Preparing to prosper in a global economy – ensuring Albertans are lifelong learners, healthy and globally informed
Providing a strong platform to sustain economic growth – wise management of water and land, and reliable transportation and communication systems to support global interaction
Investing in shaping the future – a strategic, disciplined approach to managing resource wealth

From these themes, five key initiatives are outlined to secure Alberta’s future prosperity.

Create a Global Centre for Energy to transform environmental and operational performance
Establish an Alberta Institute for Advanced Technology, to create new products, processes, services and companies
Accelerate action on ensuring Aboriginal young people achieve parity of education outcomes with non-Aboriginal people
Give a new Alberta Water Authority the mandate to innovate in water stewardship
Institute a Shaping the Future Fund to invest non-renewable energy assets in initiatives to support a prosperous Alberta

“This was a truly incredible experience, meeting with countless community and business leaders, young people and Albertans who were eager to participate,” said David Emerson, chair of the Premier’s Council for Economic Strategy. “As a council, we felt it was very important to provide a call to action to all Albertans. We hope this report inspires them to take an active role in shaping the province’s future.”

The council will have one final meeting at the end of June to discuss the report in detail with Albertans and encourage Albertans to build on ideas and make them happen.

The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.

-30-

Attachment: Background on the Premier’s Council for Economic Strategy

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Cameron Traynor
Office of the Premier
780-422-4905

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Nova Scotia Seeks Nominations for Electricity Market Advisory Committee

PMC — Wed, 04 May 2011 03:55:07 +0000

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Department Seeking Nominees for Wholesale Market Advisory Committee

Independent power producers, municipal electric utilities and transmission customers in the wholesale electricity market are invited to nominate people to represent them on the Wholesale Market Advisory Committee.

The committee will provide advice to the Nova Scotia Power System Operator on wholesale electricity market.

“The advisory committee will provide an important perspective and informed advice to the system operator to ensure competitive opportunity, efficiency and a safe, reliable electricity system,” said Energy Minister Charlie Parker. “We want to attract qualified nominees to represent each of these categories and ensure they have the support of their sector.”

The Department of Energy must submit three nominees to sit on the six-member committee, as well as three alternates. Nova Scotia Power Inc. will select a representative from the system operator, who will chair the committee, one from the NSPI power and production division, and one from customer service. The Department of Energy and the Utilities and Review Board may also appoint an observer.

In 2007, a competitive wholesale electricity market opened in Nova Scotia to allow six municipal electric utilities to buy electricity directly from independent power producers, and to allow electricity exports from and through Nova Scotia. The terms of reference for an advisory committee was developed, but the market did not warrant a committee.

Nominees must meet the qualifications outlined in Section 2C.4 of the terms of reference available at http://gov.ns.ca/energy/electricity/regulations.asp .

Deadline for the applications is May 31. Nominations should include a resume, three letters of sector support and a cover letter outlining what the nominee would contribute to the advisory committee.

Nominations should be sent to:
Department of Energy
Wholesale Market Advisory Committee Nominees
Att: Richard Penny, Acting Manager, Energy Markets
P.O. Box 2664
Halifax, N.S.
B3J 3P7