TORONTO – POLITICS – Ontario is investing up to $100 million in cap and trade proceeds over four years to support the introduction of renewable natural gas.
In a media release the Liberal government states, “Through the Climate Change Action Plan, which will be released this spring, Ontario will encourage the use of cleaner, renewable natural gas in industrial, transportation and buildings sectors, the province’s biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. The province’s investment will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help offset the cost to consumers of introducing renewable natural gas.
“Methane that is released from sources such as landfills, municipal green bin collection, agricultural residues, livestock manure, food and beverage manufacturing waste, sewage treatment plants and forestry waste can be recovered, cleaned and can be directly substituted for conventional natural gas. Renewable natural gas is a low-carbon fuel that does not add new carbon to the atmosphere. It is fully interchangeable with conventional natural gas and uses the same infrastructure.
“Natural gas, increasingly sourced from cleaner supplies, will continue to play a critical role in Ontario’s energy supply mix for transportation and heating buildings. It is not being banned. Ontario has committed to creating a $200 million Natural Gas Access Loan and a $30 million Natural Gas Economic Development Grant to help more communities that previously lacked the necessary infrastructure to switch to a cheaper, cleaner fuel source that will help residential and industry consumers reduce their energy bill.”
“Fighting climate change is part of the government’s economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in people’s talents and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.”
“Natural gas is a vital part of Ontario’s energy supply today and in the future. These investments are about encouraging the production of clean, renewable natural gas that emits less greenhouse gas pollution, fosters greater innovation, supports our province’s rapidly growing world renowned clean tech sector and creates more clean tech jobs,” stated Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.
“Natural gas is an important source of energy for rural Ontario and for the many industrial and commercial farm activities that benefit from it. I have heard many times from residents and businesses across rural Ontario about the importance of gaining access to natural gas. That is why our government made a commitment to expand natural gas to more families across Ontario who need it and to businesses to help them thrive and remain competitive in Ontario. Investments in the natural gas system allow us to create jobs and embrace new technologies that will create opportunities for innovation, like renewable natural gas sources,” commented Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
“Ontario is a world-renowned leader in the development of cutting-edge clean tech energy. The Ontario government is encouraging the use of a cleaner, renewable form of natural gas, while ensuring that natural gas remains a vital part of our energy supply mix. Expanding the use of all varieties of natural gas will reduce the province’s greenhouse emissions, help the transition towards a low-carbon economy and ensure traditionally under-served communities have expanded access to a lower-priced, reliable energy source,” added Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure,
