Should Alberta Cap Oil Sands Emissions at 100 Megatonnes?

Official title: Oil Sands Emissions Limit engagement

Closed Policy & Studies Environment & Climate Natural Resources
Alberta asked for public input on how to implement a 100 megatonne annual cap on oil sands emissions. The Oil Sands Advisory Group developed recommendations including early actions to reduce emissions and additional measures if emissions approach the limit. This consultation closed in December 2017.

Why This Matters

Alberta's oil sands are one of Canada's largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. How the province manages this cap affects climate change efforts nationwide. It also shapes the future of thousands of energy sector jobs.

What Could Change

The input was used to develop regulations under the Oil Sands Emissions Limit Act. This could include requirements for emissions reductions, allowances for cogeneration facilities, and triggers for additional measures when emissions approach 100 megatonnes.

Key Issues

  • How should early actions to reduce oil sands emissions be designed?
  • What additional actions should be triggered as emissions approach the 100 megatonne limit?
  • How should cogeneration and new upgrading capacity be treated under the emissions cap?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Technical Discussion Guide to understand the questions being asked.
  2. Read the OSAG executive summary or the full OSAG report for detailed recommendations.

What Happened

Input collected from Albertans and stakeholders was integrated with the Oil Sands Advisory Group's advice to develop a policy framework for implementing the 100 megatonne emissions limit. Sessions were held with industry stakeholders, environmental groups, Indigenous peoples, and affected communities.