Ottawa Reveals Coal Regulation Proposals

As expected, the guidelines are “too restrictive” for the coal industry and “not restrictive enough” for environmental activists.

In a much-anticipated effort to combat greenhouse gases, Ottawa has unveiled its promised proposals to regulate Canada’s coal plant industry. Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent announced the proposed guidelines Friday including a performance standard for new coal-powered plants and a plan to replace older coal units. Speaking to a power station in Saskatoon, Kent also recommended investment in renewable energy and other cleaner technologies to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 31 megatonnes over the next 8 years. A draft will be published later this month for a 60-day public consultation period, though the regulations will not take effect until July 2015 and would not have much impact on existing plants.

Image courtesy of Reuters.