The Government of Canada plans to put in place Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The objective of the proposed regulations is to achieve 30 Mt of annual reductions in GHG emissions by 2030, contributing to Canada’s effort to achieve its overall GHG mitigation target of a 30% emission reduction below 2005 levels by 2030.

The Clean Fuel Standard will establish lifecycle carbon intensity requirements separately for liquid, gaseous and solid fuels that are used in transportation, industry and buildings. This performance-based approach will incent innovation, development and the use of a broad range of low carbon fuels, energy sources and technologies.

A Clean Fuel Standard Regulatory Framework was published in Part I of the Canada Gazette on December 23, 2017.  It covers:

• the scope of the regulations;
• regulated parties;
• the carbon intensity approach;
• the timing for the regulations; and
• compliance mechanisms.

As part of the initial 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. 

The CPA continues to participate in consultations and 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.

Beginning January 18, the CPA will participate in a Multi-Stakeholder Consultative Committee that will consist of senior representatives from governments, industry and advocacy groups. The committee will meet periodically and provide a forum for ECCC to inform key stakeholders of progress of the regulatory process and to receive input on key issues. 

Later, the CPA will be part of a Technical Working Group that will be established. This will be a smaller group of experts that meet regularly and engage in the development of regulatory text.