Written by NNL Staff
Tuesday, 01 December 2009 16:03
THUNDER BAY - The McGuinty Government has taken the next steps toward a cap and trade on carbon emissions. Industrial facilities that release 25,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gases (GHGs) will soon be required to report their emission data to the government and public. This new reporting regulation comes into force on January 1, 2010. It covers who has to report, what data they report, and how and when they report it. This is an important first step towards implementing a cap-and-trade system in Ontario.
The McGuinty government anticipates that between 200 to 300 facilities will be affected. They will start reporting their 2010 emissions in 2011.
"Cap and trade is an essential tool in helping Ontario and other jurisdictions combat climate change. It uses market forces to help industry lower GHGs, while stimulating technological innovation and job creation," states John Gerretsen, the Minister of the Environment. "Ontario has demonstrated leadership working with other North American jurisdictions to pursue a common approach to cap and trade. This commonality will protect the province's businesses and economy".
"Ontario has an aggressive action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Cap and trade will figure significantly in helping us achieve our action plan targets, keep our industries competitive, reduce our carbon emissions at the lowest cost, and reap business opportunities arising from the new green economy," concludes Gerretsen.
There is no information as yet from the McGuinty Government on which businesses in Northwestern Ontario may be impacted by the move. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry as referred the issue to the Ministry of the Environment.
Last Updated on Saturday, 02 January 2010 11:44
Subscribe to this comment's feed
