OTTAWA — Erin Flanagan, federal policy director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to additional review principles for fossil fuel projects unveiled by Minister McKenna and Minister Carr today:
“We welcome the five principles unveiled today by the federal government to address deficiencies in the existing review process for fossil fuel projects. These principles demonstrate that Ottawa is committed to improving the ways in which fossil fuel infrastructure is evaluated. The requirement to consider direct and upstream carbon pollution in regulatory reviews acknowledges a long-standing deficiency in Canada’s regulatory framework for fossil fuel projects.
“Proposed energy infrastructure, such as oilsands pipelines and LNG export terminals, have important climate consequences that must be considered by regulators and elected officials. Approving projects that facilitate emissions growth across Canada is not in the public interest in the absence of a credible plan to meet the country’s climate change commitments. Canada will now assess how infrastructure investments support long-term prosperity in a world transitioning to renewable energy.
“In addition to these review rules, Canada must establish a science-based climate plan that includes minimum standards on carbon pricing, and that builds upon existing provincial action. Existing provincial climate commitments will not ensure Canada meets its 2030 emissions reductions goal, and are not sufficient to ensure Canada lives up to its fair share of the Paris Agreement.
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Contact
Erin Flanagan (English / français)
Director, Federal Policy, Pembina Institute
587-581-1701
Kirk Heuser
Communications Lead, Pembina Institute
587-585-4522
