Clean Fuel Standard Discussion Comments Released
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At the beginning of November, the Federal Government released the Clean Fuel Standard: Summary of stakeholder comments regarding the Clean Fuel Standard: Discussion Paper.
The document is a result of year-long government consultations with territories, Indigenous communities, industry, and environmental non-governmental organizations on the establishment of a National Clean Fuel Standard (CFS). As part of the consultation process, the CPA participated in meetings that included federal officials, regulators, industry and NGO stakeholders. The CPA was also among stakeholders to file briefs that contributed to the development of the Clean Fuel Standard: Discussion Paper published by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) that sought feedback on the standard.
In the Summary it was noted that, "comments on environmental impacts focused on the environmental benefits and risks of specific cleaner fuels such as propane, liquefied natural gas, methanol, ethanol and biodiesel, and the need to harmonize with existing actions and commitments regarding the environment".
The summary also noted strong support from stakeholders from all perspectives that the government, "avoid the duplication of policies that achieve the same objectives and the need to harmonize and align various policies to optimize outcomes while reducing compliance cost".
According to the Federal Government’s timeline, the next step is to hold consultations on the framework of the CFS and the technical aspects of the regulations with technical working groups. Once completed, further public engagement will be organized as required. Ultimately, the Federal Government hopes to have final regulations in place by 2019.
The CPA is reviewing the Summary and will be meeting with ECCC to discuss the next steps in the development of a Clean Fuel Standard. The CPA will continue to make the case that the development of a Clean Fuel Standard is one that is fair to the propane industry and to the Canadians who use this safe, clean-burning and affordable fuel.
