What actions are being taken?
The Alberta Government has committed to addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The focus is on improving energy efficiency, enhancing technology to control industrial emissions, seeking out renewable energy sources, and keeping the public informed and involved.
Beginning with its Climate Change Action Plan - Albertans & Climate Change: Taking Action, released in October 2002, the Government of Alberta identified a number of strategies to address climate change. One of these included the development of a mandatory reporting program for large industrial emitters in Alberta. Beginning in November 2004, large industrial emitters in the province were required to submit an annual report on their previous year’s greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to help industries better manage their emissions.
Alberta is in the process of updating its Climate Change Action Plan. In March 2007, Alberta Environment began a series of community workshops throughout the province in order to give Albertans an opportunity to provide input on the climate change plan. A draft of the updated action plan will be released for discussion over the summer of 2007, with a final plan to come in the fall of 2007.
The Climate Change and Emissions Management Act (Bill 3) comes into effect July 1, 2007 and will require existing large industrial facilities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 12 per cent. Newer facilities will have a more graduated target that will evolve to 12 per cent. The requirements for industry are detailed in the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation. Facilities that are unable to meet their reduction target will be able to invest in other projects in Alberta that reduce, or offset emissions on their behalf.
Return to Top
|
