Alberta Environment Reports a Reduction in Greenhouse Gases

Alberta Environment has announced that its climate change program has resulted in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 6.5 million tonnes. Credited with this change is Alberta's Climate Change and Emissions Management Act, which sets mandatory reduction targets for industrial emitters of greenhouse gases and requires payment of penalties if those targets are exceeded.

This announcement comes on the heels of a report in the Vancouver Sun stating that the UN has reported that Canada's emissions have increased more since 1990 than any other G8 nation.

Alberta has taken the steps to establish a regime where greenhouse gas emissions are regulated. Now, the goal indicated by Alberta's Minister of Environment, Rob Renner, will be to continue to improve the emissions regulation program. The most difficult step - starting the program - has been taken. Alberta was the first province to introduce legislation to reduce greenhouse gases, and it is continuing to lead by example.

A final detailed report is expected later in 2009 following industry submission audits. We will monitor the status of this report and will blog about it once it is released.

By Colin Lipsett