A new study says Canada is no where near its 2020 target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, because of the oil and gas sector.
According to the Pembina Institute to reach the target the industry needs to cut its emissions by 42 percent.
It says from 2010 to 2020 emissions are expected to double, putting it on track to miss the target by 100-million tonnes.
It says nearly a quarter of greenhouse gas pollution comes from the oil and gas sector.
Right now, there’s no federal constraint, but the federal government says it will publish regulations for the industry before the summer.
Alberta’s intensity-based regulation is under consideration as a model for federal regulations, but would need to be strengthened.
The organization recommends setting a sector-wide target, setting a price for at least $100 per tonne for payment into the technology fund, but $150 would be better and limiting companies’ access to offset credits.
Director of federal policy Clare Demerse in a release says regulations would be good for Canadian’s and the economy, especially with a renewed focus on climate change in the U.S., and a decision approaching on the Keystone XL.
April 4th, 2013
