SASKATOON, Sask. -- September 5, 2012 -- Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced final regulations for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from coal-fired electricity generation.
“Canada already boasts one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world, with three-quarters of our electricity supply emitting no greenhouse gases,” said Minister Kent. “These regulations will further strengthen our position as a world leader in clean electricity production, while continuing to grow our economy and create jobs.”
The regulations apply a stringent performance standard to new electricity generation units and old units that have reached the end of their economic life. In the first 21 years, the regulations are expected to result in a cumulative reduction in GHG emissions of about 214 megatonnes--equivalent to removing some 2.6 million personal vehicles per year from the road.
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 percent below 2005 levels.
In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the improved air quality that will result from the regulations will have a direct impact on the health of Canadians.
The new performance standard for coal-fired electricity generating units will come into force on July 1, 2015.
