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ALBERTA’S CLIMATE: A Comparison to Canada’s Approach to Managing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Corbin Devlin McLennan Ross LLP October 19, 2007. Alberta is the largest overall emitter of GHGs in Canada.
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ALBERTA’S CLIMATE:A Comparison to Canada’s Approach to Managing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Corbin Devlin McLennan Ross LLP October 19, 2007
Alberta is the largest overall emitter of GHGs in Canada. First province to introduce legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions intensity (Climate Change and Emissions Management Act). Taking Initiative
Alberta’s Regulatory Framework for Emission Reductions • Specified Gas Emitters Regulation passed by Alberta Legislature in April 2007. • Companies that emit more than 100,000 tonnes of GHGs a year must reduce their emissions intensity by 12 per cent starting July 1, 2007.
Alberta’s Regulatory Framework for Emission Reductions(cont’d) • Applies to approx. 100 facilities, representing approx. 70% of Alberta’s industrial emissions. • 3 compliance options: • (i) make operating improvements, • (ii) buy Alberta-based offsets, or • (iii) contribute to technology fund ($15/t)
Developing a Baseline • Application Deadlines • Existing facility (pre-2000 and less than 4 years in operation) – Dec. 31, 2007. • New facility – June 1 of 4th year of operation • Information Required • Supporting Data • Verification by a third party auditor • Calculation • 3 year average emissions or as otherwise specified
Compliance • Annual compliance reports • Third party verification • Audits • $200/t fine • Compliance Orders
Alberta Perspective on Harmonization • GOA intends to be the regulator in Alberta • Out in front to influence direction • Philosophical difference - transformational change through technology investment • Easy stuff: Outcomes (long term) • Hard stuff: Compliance Mechanisms (e.g. technology fund)
Corbin Devlin cdevlin@mross.com