Federal Government Unveils 'Strict' Oil And Gas Cap To Curb Emissions

The BC Government is on board with the federal announcement on emissions caps for the oil and gas industry.

“All sectors of our economy need to reduce their emissions, and that includes oil and gas companies,” said Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault on Thursday.

“The Government of Canada’s plan to cap and reduce emissions from Canada’s largest emitting sector is ambitious, but practical. It considers the global demand for oil and gas—and the importance of the sector in Canada’s economy—and sets a limit that is strict, but achievable.”

Guilbault said the industry would have to cut emissions by at least a third by 2030.

BC’s Environment Minister, George Heyman, and Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, issued a joint statement saying it’s an important step for combatting the global climate crisis.

The statement said the oil and gas industry is currently responsible for around 50% of industrial emissions and 20% of B.C.’s total emissions.

Heyman and Osborne say they will review the details of the federal framework and will continue discussions with the federal government to ensure goals are met, and to avoid unnecessary duplicate regulations as the province implements its own cap.