Loading articles...

Climate strategy to improve market access: CAPP

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers is looking at Alberta’s new climate change strategy through rose coloured glasses. It expects the enhanced environmental commitments required by industry will improve market access.

“Improving market access for our oil and natural gas resources is one of the most pressing priorities of our industry to ensure that our sector can continue to grow and provide prosperity to Albertans and all Canadians,” said Tim McMillan, CAPP’s president and chief executive officer.

McMillan isn’t the only industry representative taking a positive approach to the changes as four of the largest oilsands operators said they’re ready to work together to reduce oilsands emissions.

According to CAPP’s press release Environment Canada data shows that emissions per barrel of oil produced from the oilsands are down 30 per cent from 1990 levels. In situ operations and carbon capture technology have helped drastically reduce pollution levels from bitumen extraction.

“The government recognizes the importance of technological innovation as part of the Climate Leadership Plan,” said McMillan. “At the same time, however, we realize this is only a first step as several of the principles outlined today require more detail before they become part of the province’s climate change policy.”

McMillan will be present in Paris next week at the climate conference representing CAPP.

“We have the energy the world needs and we have environmental standards our customers expect. So let us – industry and governments – build on what’s in place to ensure Canada can become a larger and leading supplier of responsibly produced energy to the world.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is meeting with all of Canada’s first ministers today in hopes of creating the framework for a national climate change policy ahead of the conference in Paris.