Should Alberta's Methane Rules Replace Federal Regulations for Oil and Gas?
Official title: Canada-Alberta equivalency agreement respecting the release of methane from the upstream oil and gas sector
The federal government wants to step back from regulating methane emissions in Alberta's oil and gas sector. Why? Alberta already has its own rules. If the two governments agree they're equivalent, federal regulations would no longer apply in the province.
Why This Matters
Care about climate change? This affects how methane—a potent greenhouse gas—gets regulated in Canada's biggest oil-producing province. If you think federal oversight matters, or if you believe provinces should handle their own environmental rules, this decision shapes that balance.
What Could Change
If finalized, federal methane regulations would no longer apply to Alberta's oil and gas operators. The province's Methane Emission Reduction Regulation would be the only rulebook. This could reduce paperwork for companies but also shifts enforcement entirely to Alberta.
Key Issues
- Are Alberta's methane regulations truly equivalent to federal standards?
- Should the federal government step back from regulating methane in Alberta?
How to Participate
- Review the Federal Methane Regulations to understand what's being replaced.
- Submit your comments by email to methane-methane@ec.gc.ca.