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
Adam Sweet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Environment Canada
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(Également offert en français)
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