Ottawa, ON, December 21, 2018 – Yesterday the Federal Government announced new draft regulations for the Output Based Pricing System (OBPS) for greenhouse gas emissions. This proposal establishes new rules and emissions limits applicable to industrial activities, including thermal power generation, with the goal of improving Canada’s position in the fight against climate change.
While the proposed regulations send a strong signal regarding coal facilities, the Canadian Hydropower Association (CHA) is concerned that by not setting a standard that declines with time for other fuels used for electricity generation, including natural gas, the proposal could make it difficult for Canada to meet its climate change objectives.
“The OBPS should send a clear signal to investors that new electricity demand must be met by non-emitting generation. The system, as currently proposed by the federal government, is a missed opportunity to facilitate a more effective and complete transition to a clean future. Electrification is essential to Canada’s long-term climate change strategy, therefore the electricity sector itself must remain on the path to becoming virtually emission-free by 2050 to support this transition. In the absence of appropriate price signals, more emitting power generation capacity will be built, and operate for several decades, and both short and long-term opportunities for emission reductions will be lost.” noted Anne-Raphaëlle Audouin, CHA President.
The CHA will continue to work with the government in 2019 as these regulations are finalized. It will advocate for solutions that will help Canada meet its 2030 commitment and longer-term objectives in an affordable fashion while setting the stage for the longer-term reductions.
To read the full announcement from Environment and Climate Change Canada, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/climate-change/pricing-pollution-how-it-will-work/output-based-pricing-system/proposal-regulations.html .
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About the Canadian Hydropower Association
Founded in 1998, the Canadian Hydropower Association (CHA) is the national organization dedicated to promoting hydropower nationally and internationally as a source of renewable electricity. Its role is to make the economic, social and environmental advantages of hydropower better known, and to advocate the benefits of hydropower in the shift toward decarbonization. CHA members represent about 95% of the hydropower capacity in Canada. More than 60% of Canada’s electricity comes from hydropower.
For more information or media inquiries:
John Braniff
Public Affairs Coordinator
Canadian Hydropower Association
613.751.6655 ext. 2
john@canadahydro.ca