UPDATE – Federal: Important dates coming up for Clean Fuel Regulations

CPA reminds members of the following proposed dates from the federal government about the upcoming Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR): 

Spring 2022

• Final Clean Fuel Regulations are published and registered
• Credit creation commences on the date the Regulations are registered 

July 1, 2023

• Reduction requirement comes into force 

As CPA has noted throughout the past several weeks, the 2022 IHS Markit study produced a slightly lower carbon intensity than the CFR currently references for propane. The CPA will continue to work closely with Environment and Climate Change (ECCC) to update their modelling to reference the IHS data and use a lower carbon intensity for propane as it applies to this policy. The ECCC is currently in the final stages of review and translation for the CFR, so there will not be an opportunity to change the 2022 CFR. However, ECCC has noted that the CFR is an evergreen document that will be updated annually. The CPA will work to ensure that the updated carbon intensity value is reflected in the first revision of the regulation. 

Over a dozen federal climate policies and consultations aimed at the oil and gas sector (not including provincial policies and regulations) are implemented or underway. These policies include: 

• Oil and Gas Emissions Cap
• Methane Reduction Engagement
• 2035 ZEV Mandate
• CCUS Strategy / tax credit
• OBPS Regulations Review
• Carbon Border Adjustment Consultation
• Strategic Assessment of Climate Change – Technical Guidance
• Federal GHG Offset Credit System Regulations
• CSA – Disclosure of Climate-related matters engagement
• Just Transition
• National Infrastructure Assessment
• Federal carbon pricing
• Output-based pricing for large emitters
• Clean Electricity Standard
• Research & Development funding
• COP21 commitment
• Energy Innovation Fund
• Low Carbon Economy Fund 

Many of these policies will reference the carbon intensity of energy sources, as the entire value chain of the global energy system is looking towards low emissions conversions. 

The CPA and members need to be active in this space from a reputational and risk management perspective, working to position propane as low-carbon energy and working towards emissions (carbon intensity) reductions.