Canada to Develop New Clean Fuel Standard
The Federal Government is planning to consult with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, industries, and non-governmental organizations to develop a clean fuel standard as part of its pan-Canadian climate plan.
"The standard would require reductions in the carbon footprint of the fuels supplied in Canada, based on lifecycle analysis. The approach would not differentiate between crude-oil types produced in or imported into Canada. These consultations would inform the development of a regulatory approach under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)," announced the government in a press release late last year.
The overall objective of the clean fuel standard is to achieve annual reductions of 30 megatonnes of GHG emissions by 2030, which the government says will contribute to Canada’s commitment to reduce emissions 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.
Of interest to the propane industry is the government’s assertion that "the clean fuel standard will encourage the use of cleaner fuels in many sectors of the economy, including the fuels we use in transportation, in our homes and buildings, and the fuels that power our industries." Propane is among the broad range of fuels to be considered.
It is expected that Environment and Climate Change Canada will publish a discussion paper early in 2017. The CPA will be actively attending consultations including meetings, workshops and technical working groups held to develop the clean fuel standard.