Strong methane regulations essential to meet Canada’s climat

CALGARY — Duncan Kenyon, policy director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the Government of Canada’s release of its draft oil and gas methane regulations:

“We’re pleased to see the Government of Canada move forward with national rules to cut oil and gas methane pollution by 45 per cent by 2025. These regulations are cost-effective and are vital to achieve the goals articulated in the recently released pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

“Methane represents 15 per cent of Canada’s total carbon emissions, half of which are from the energy sector. As Canada implements policies to achieve its climate target, it’s essential those emissions are reigned in. It’s in the government’s best interest to ensure regulations for new and existing oil and gas methane sources are in place promptly— and that strong safeguards to ensure all provinces implement equivalent rules are established.

“Methane rules don’t put the Canadian oil and gas sector at risk: in fact, they are essential to its long-term carbon competitiveness. Canada is only catching up to U.S. states, like California, Colorado, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, that already have regulations for new and existing sources of methane pollution.

“These regulations are the only element of the pan-Canadian plan specifically aimed at reducing methane in the oil and gas industry. All current carbon pricing approaches in the country exclude this source of greenhouse gas pollution.

“The Government of Canada’s proposed approach is strong, but today’s proposal could still be improved in a few important ways. In the consultation period ahead, we look forward to making the case for a strengthened commitment to leak detection and repair, and faster implementation timelines. Governments, industry and other stakeholders need to keep their eye on the prize: reducing methane emissions to achieve our climate goals as swiftly and cost-effectively as possible.”

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