UPDATE: Federal - CPA recommendations for Environmental Emergency Plans fall on deaf ears

On May 5, a few CPA members and staff met virtually with Environment and Climate Change Canada. A few months ago, ECCC had indicated they would like to consult with industry on the wording of their E2 Regulations Technical Guide, which is designed to explain the regulations.

Current language in the regulation creates an abundance of requirements that add burden to propane consumers, but also add significantly to the cost required to meet the E2 requirements. The guide was to be designed to clarify these requirements. After lengthy discussion about the CPA's concerns with the current language in the E2 regulations, the meeting ended on what seemed to be an understanding of the changes the industry needed to ensure propane is promoted as a clean viable option for use as an alternative fuel choice. 

However, ECCC's response weeks later stated that E2 revisions would not be considered, even within the Technical Guide. In fact, the response indicated that the Guide would be worded to further restrict the exemptions that were originally provided in the regulations. 

The CPA finds this response unacceptable and has written to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, identifying the issues and concerns the Association has with the current requirements and requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the matter. 

The constant rhetoric provided in federal government advertising identifies the need for better choices to respond to climate change. The CPA feels that these current requirements not only discourage consumers from using propane as a clean alternative but actually penalize the industry by adding excessive burden and costly measures to an industry with a proven safety track record.