Edmonton, AB — Tim Weis, Director of Renewable Energy and
Efficiency, made the following statement in response to today's announcement by
Environment Minister Peter Kent regarding federal regulations for greenhouse gas emissions from
coal-fired electricity:
"The proposed regulations are a welcome step towards putting an end to
conventional coal-fired electricity. However, they must be viewed within the
context of the federal government's commitments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) pollution
and promote clean electricity generation.
"Unfortunately these regulations do not go far enough to
achieve the government's commitment to generate 90 percent of Canada's
electricity from zero-emitting sources by 2020, which is critical for Canada to
achieve our national GHG target for 2020.
"The government needs to address pollution from all of
Canada's coal fired power plants, not just future or very old units. Under
these regulations about two-thirds of currently operating plants do not have to
meet the standard until after 2020, and nine will operate past 2030 without
constraint. Further, they are weaker than actions being taken by the
governments of Ontario and British Columbia.
"Another outstanding concern is how the federal government
will treat new coal-fired power plants built before July 1, 2015. Minister
Kent's predecessor committed to preventing dirty coal-fired power plants from
being built before these regulations come into effect on July 1, 2015.
"Maxim Power Corporation and the Alberta Utilities
Commission have thumbed their noses at the federal regulations and fast tracked
approval of a new plant in Alberta so that it will begin operating just before
these regulations come into effect.
"Minister Kent must still clarify how he intends to address
this situation, and he could very easily fulfill the government's promise by
modifying the proposed regulations to apply immediately to new plants."
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Contact:
Tim Weis (English / français)
Director of renewable energy and efficiency policy, Pembina Institute
Cell: 780-667-6519
Phone: 780-485-9610 ext 105
Background:
Pembina comments on proposed coal-fired power regulations
The Pembina Institute's 2010 submission to Environment
Canada on the government's proposed regulatory approach to coal-fired electricity
generation.
http://www.pembina.org/pub/2116
Blog: Ottawa faces crucial test in the fight against coal
http://www.pembina.org/blog/555
Media Release: Alberta Utilities Commission fails to protect
public interest with final coal plant approval
Approval weakens standards for
greenhouse gas pollution in Alberta and could undermine upcoming federal coal
regulations
