Canada to introduce a clean fuels standard

TORONTO — Dianne Zimmerman, transportation and urban solutions policy director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the announcement of a national clean fuels standard:

“We are pleased to learn that the federal government intends to reduce emissions from fossil fuels by introducing a clean fuel standard with broad coverage across the economy. An ambitious clean fuel standard will send a strong market signal to fuel producers and consumers on the need to reduce the climate impacts of fossil fuels currently used in transportation, buildings and industry.

“In order for Canada to live up to the climate ambition of the Paris Agreement, it will need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels – including gasoline and diesel – while sending strong investment signals for new clean energy. A national clean fuel policy could facilitate this transition by requiring additional use of alternative fuels, including hydrogen fuel cells, biofuels, and electricity. Further, a well-designed clean fuel standard can send an important signal to the entire fuels value-chain, and can incentivize emissions reductions in the processing, transporting and refining of fossil fuels.

“A performance-based, life-cycle emissions standard is one of the most direct and immediate ways to reduce carbon pollution across the economy. Importantly, this policy will address fuel emissions from personal vehicles as well as heavy-duty trucks — the fastest growing subsector of transportation emissions in Canada and globally.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates leadership and sends clear, long-term investment signals to the transportation, buildings and industrial sectors. This announcement is an important milestone in climate friendly fuel and transportation policy, and we look forward to engaging in the consultation process.”

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