DOHA, Qatar, Dec. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada has strengthened its position
as a world leader in clean electricity production with its new tough
regulations to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the
coal-fired electricity sector.
"As a result of these regulations announced in September 2012, Canada
became the first country in the world to ban new coal plants that use
traditional technology," said the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of
the Environment. "In the first 21 years, the regulations are expected
to result in a cumulative reduction in GHG emissions of about 214
megatonnes—the equivalent of removing 2.6 million personal vehicles
from the road per year over this period."
The Government of Canada is taking a sector-by-sector approach to
reducing greenhouse gas emissions that achieves real environmental and
economic benefits for all Canadians. The final regulations, which were
released in September 2012, set a stringent performance standard for
new coal-fired electricity generating units and old units that have
reached the end of their economic life. The rules will come into force
in July 2015.
Reducing emissions from coal-fired electricity—which is responsible for
11 percent of Canada's total GHG emissions—is an important step toward
meeting Canada's 2020 target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to
17% below 2005 levels. Combined with commitments made by the provinces
and industry, as well as other measures, the regulations are expected
to reduce GHG emissions from the electricity sector by 33% from 2005
levels by 2020.
"Our progress on coal-fired electricity exemplifies how the Harper
Government is working with its partners to reduce GHG emissions. We
have consulted extensively with both the provinces and industry and
they have contributed to strengthening our approach," Minister Kent
added. "We are making progress, but more work remains. Regulated GHG
performance standards are being developed for the remaining major
sources of emissions, including the oil and gas sector."
For more information on Canada's work to reduce GHGs, visit climatechange.gc.ca.
SOURCE: Environment Canada
For further information:
Office of the Minister of the Environment
Environment Canada's Twitter page: http://twitter.com/environmentca
Environment Canada's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/environmentcan
(Également offert en français)