Released on October 30, 2018
Environment Minister Dustin Duncan introduced legislation in the Saskatchewan Legislature today that will facilitate key components of, and further advance, Prairie Resilience, the province’s climate change strategy.Bill 132, The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Amendment Act, provides the regulatory framework for performance standards to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions, a provincial technology fund, performance credits and offset credits.
“These amendments are an important step in fulfilling our government’s promise to reduce emissions and make Saskatchewan more resilient to the impacts of climate change,” Duncan said. “We already have an effective plan, and we are proceeding with industrial performance standards and compliance options in 2019 – especially with the federal government’s recognition of Prairie Resilience.”
In addition to performance standards and compliance options, these amendments require large emitters to register with the province, provide for administrative efficiencies in governance of the technology fund, and enable associated regulations and standards. Stakeholders, including industry and associations, provided input into the regulatory framework and indicated support for the amendments throughout summer and fall 2018.
Prairie Resilience, the province’s made-in-Saskatchewan climate change strategy, is designed to curb greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for changing conditions, and protect people and communities through resilience and readiness. The strategy, available at www.saskatchewan.ca, proposes action in key areas including natural systems, physical infrastructure, economic sustainability and community preparedness.
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For more information, contact:
Darby Semeniuk
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-550-2391
Email: darby.semeniuk@gov.sk.ca