Forward Regulatory Plan 2017 to 2019, Environment and Climate Change Canada, chapter 1

Air Emissions and Greenhouse Gases

Proposed Regulatory Initiatives

Regulations Amending the Ozone-depleting Substances and Halocarbon Alternatives Regulations

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

Proposed regulatory measures on HFC consumption (manufacture and import) would limit the growth and avoid future emissions and climate impacts of these powerful greenhouse gases (GHGs). Existing systems containing HFCs already in use in Canada would not be impacted by proposed measures and would be allowed to continue to be serviced and operated.

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The “One-for-One” Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

A Notice of Intent to regulate HFCs under these regulations was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on December 6, 2014.

Electronic and face-to-face consultations were initiated in 2015. Final consultations prior to publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I was completed in April 2016.

On November 26, 2016 the proposed amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2016-137/FullText.html for a 75-day comment period.

Publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II will be targeted for fall 2017

Contact

Nathalie Morin
Director, Chemical Production Division
Telephone: 819-420-8047
Fax: 819-944-5030
Email: nathalie.morin4@canada.ca

Revisions to the Federal Halocarbon Regulations, 2003

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The proposed revised regulations would repeal and replace the current Federal Halocarbon Regulations, 2003.

The Regulations aim at minimizing releases of halocarbons to the environment from refrigeration, air conditioning and fire-extinguishing systems. The proposed revisions would address administrative, operational and enforcement issues.

The proposed revisions would apply to systems containing halocarbons that are owned by federal departments, boards and agencies, Crown corporations, or federal works or undertakings; or are located on federal or Aboriginal lands.

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

Electronic and face-to-face consultations took place in 2013. Additional consultations regarding the administrative burden of the Federal Halocarbon Regulations, 2003 and its proposed revisions were held in spring 2015.

The proposed revised regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I for a 60-day comment period.  Target date for publication is 2018.

Contact

Nathalie Morin
Director, Chemical Production Division
Telephone: 819-420-8047
Fax: 819-944-5030
Email: nathalie.morin4@canada.ca

Off-Road Large Spark-Ignition and Compression-Ignition (mobile and stationary) Engine Emission Regulations

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The proposed regulations would replace the existing Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations. The new regulation would reduce air pollutant emissions from both off-road mobile compression-ignition (diesel) and large spark-ignition (gasoline, propane and natural gas) engines by establishing emission standards and test procedures that are aligned with those of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The proposed regulations would also reduce air pollutant emissions from stationary compression-ignition (generally diesel-fueled) engines by establishing emission standards and test procedures that are aligned with those of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The proposed regulation would affect manufacturers and importers of:

Off-road mobile large spark-ignition engines and equipment such as forklifts and ice resurfacers, and

Off-road mobile compression-ignition engines and equipment, such as construction, farming and forestry equipment as well as stationary compression-ignition engines.

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

Targeted pre-consultations for Off-Road Mobile Compression-Ignition and Large Spark-Ignition Engines are being held from 2014 to 2018 to provide stakeholders with an early opportunity to provide input on the proposal. 

Pre-consultations for Stationary Compression-Ignition Engines began in April 2017 to provide stakeholders (importers, manufacturers, end users, NGO, Indigenous) with an opportunity to provide input on the proposal. 

The proposed regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I for a 75-day comment period. Target date for publication is 2018.

Contacts

Stéphane Couroux (off-road mobile compression-ignition and large spark-ignition engines)
Director, Transportation Division
Telephone: 819-420-8020
Fax: 819-938-4179
Email: stephane.couroux@canada.ca

Paola Mellow (stationary compression-ignition engines)
Director, Electricity and Combustion Division
Telephone: 819-420-7761
Email: ec.electricite-electricity.ec@canada.ca

Regulations Amending the Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The existing Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations, in alignment with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA) standards, set air pollutant emission standards for small spark-ignition (typically gasoline) engines.

In 2008, the U.S. EPA published new, more stringent emission standards. These proposed amendments would further reduce air pollutant emissions by aligning with the new U.S. Phase 3 standards.

The proposed amendments would affect manufacturers and importers of small engines and equipment, such as lawn and gardening equipment.

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

Environment and Climate Change Canada published a discussion document on the CEPA Registry in August 2012 and held pre-consultations in 2012–2013 to provide stakeholders with an early opportunity to provide input on the proposal.

The proposed amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on June 11, 2016, for a 75-day comment period. The target date for publication of the final amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part II is fall 2017.

Contact

Stéphane Couroux
Director, Transportation Division
Telephone: 819-420-8020
Fax: 819-938-4179
Email: stephane.couroux@canada.ca

Regulations Amending the Heavy-Duty Vehicle and Engine Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations (for post-2018 and beyond model years)

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The objective of the proposed amendments is to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new on-road heavy-duty vehicles and engines of the 2021 and later model years and introduce emission standards for trailers of 2018 and later model years pulled by tractors, in alignment with United States standards.

The proposed amendments would affect manufacturers and importers of new heavy-duty vehicles, engines and trailers brought into Canada for the purpose of sale.

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

A Notice of Intent was published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on October 4, 2014, initiating a first formal comment period on a general approach that closed on November 12, 2014.

The proposed amendments were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on March 4, 2017 for a 75-day comment period on March 4, 2017.

Publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II will be targeted for spring 2018

Contact

Stéphane Couroux
Director, Transportation Division
Telephone: 819-420-8020
Fax: 819-938-4179
Email: stephane.couroux@canada.ca

Regulations Amending the Regulations Prescribing Circumstances for Granting Waivers Pursuant to Section 147 of the Act

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The regulations to be amended specify the circumstances under which federal environmental fuels regulations can be temporarily waived. The proposed changes would amend text to ensure that provincial emergency measures are appropriately referenced.  The proposed amendments are in response to comments received in 2013 from the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations.  All changes are administrative in nature. The functioning of the regulations would not be altered. 

Indication of business impact

There are no expected business impacts.

Consultation

The proposed amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I for a 60-day comment period in the fall of 2017. An offer to consult with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples through the CEPA National Advisory Council will take place on a similar timeframe. The target date for final publication is early to mid-2018.

Contact

Cam Carruthers
Executive Director, Oil, Gas and Alternative Energy Division
Telephone: 819-420-7928
Fax: 819-420-7410
Email: cam.carruthers@canada.ca

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Concentration Limits for Certain Products Regulations

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The proposed regulations would establish volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration limits for approximately 130 product categories/sub-categories including personal care, automotive and household maintenance products; adhesives, adhesive removers, sealants and caulks; and other miscellaneous products. These products are used by household, institutional and commercial consumers, and contribute to Canadian VOC emissions. 

It is estimated that there would be 1700 manufacturers and importers affected by the proposed regulations. Key associations whose members would be impacted are: the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CCTFA), the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association (CCSPA), the Adhesive and Sealants Manufacturers Association of Canada (ASMAC), the Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (CPCA) and the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA).

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

A consultation document outlining the regulatory proposal was published in January 2013. A public meeting was also held in February 2013.

The proposed regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I for a 75-day comment period. Target date for publication is spring 2018.

Contact

Xin Gao
Acting Director, Products Division
Telephone: 819-938-4201
Fax: 819-938-4179
Email: xin.gao@canada.ca

Regulations Respecting Reduction in the Release of Volatile Organic Compounds (Petroleum Sector)

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The proposed regulations would limit releases of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including petroleum and refinery gases, from Canadian petroleum refineries, upgraders, and certain petrochemical facilities.

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

The proposed regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I for a 60-day comment period on May 27, 2017.

During the 60-day comment period ECCC will be meeting with provinces, key indigenous organizations and stakeholders to solicit feedback on the proposed regulations.

Contact

Cam Carruthers
Executive Director, Oil, Gas and Alternative Energy Division
Telephone: 819-420-7928
Fax: 819-420-7410
Email: cam.carruthers@canada.ca

Regulations Respecting Reductions in the Release of Methane and Certain Volatile Organic Compounds (upstream oil and gas sector)

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The proposed regulations would put in place controls on venting and fugitive emissions of methane from the oil and gas sector. The Prime Minister announced Canada’s intent to publish proposed regulations as part of the Joint Statement on Climate Change, Energy and Arctic Leadership announced with U.S. President Barack Obama on March 10, 2016. The Government confirmed this action as part of the Pan Canadian Framework with provinces in December 2016.

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

The proposed regulation was published in Canada Gazette, Part I on May 27 2017.  Provinces, key indigenous organizations and stakeholders consultations and engagement is underway.  The final regulation will be published in early 2018.

Contact

Cam Carruthers
Executive Director, Oil, Gas and Alternative Energy Division
Telephone: 819-420-7928
Fax: 819-420-7410
Email: cam.carruthers@canada.ca

Regulations Amending the Contaminated Fuels Regulations

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

Article 11.8 of the World Trade Agreement Agreement on Trade Facilitation prohibits the application of technical regulations and conformity assessment procedures on goods in transit. Amendments to the Contaminated Fuels Regulations would allow the application of Article 11.8 by exempting goods in transit from the application of technical regulations in the Contaminated Fuels Regulations.

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

Targeted discussions will take place before publication. Broader consultations with stakeholders will take place after publication of proposed regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I.  Target for publication is fall 2017.

Contact

Cam Carruthers
Executive Director, Oil, Gas and Alternative Energy Division
Telephone: 819-420-7928
Fax: 819-420-7410
Email: cam.carruther@canada.ca

Regulations Amending the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-fired Generation of Electricity Regulations

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The proposed amendments would require all coal-fired units to meet the performance standards by no later than December 31st, 2029.

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

Pre-consultations with provinces and territories and other stakeholders commenced in December, 2016.  A formal consultation period will be held upon publication of the regulations in the Canada Gazette Part I. Target for publication is end of 2017.

Contact

Paola Mellow
Director, Electricity and Combustion Division
Telephone: 819-420-7761
Email: ec.electricite-electricity.ec@canada.ca

Regulations Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Natural Gas-Fired Electricity Generation

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

The proposed regulations would establish performance standards for new natural gas-fired combustion engines and converted boilers

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The “One-for-One” Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

Pre-consultations with provinces and territories and other stakeholders commenced in December, 2016.  A formal consultation period will be held upon publication of the regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I. Target for publication is end of 2017.

Contact

Paola Mellow
Director, Electricity and Combustion Division
Telephone: 819-420-7761
Email: ec.electricite-electricity.ec@canada.ca

Equivalency Agreement with the Province of Saskatchewan - Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Generation of Electricity Regulations

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

Through an equivalency agreement, the province would be allowed to meet or improve upon federal emission requirements over time, as opposed to an in-year basis.

The equivalency agreement would also consider both coal and natural gas fired electricity emissions, as opposed to the regulation of emissions from each coal-fired unit.

Indication of business impact

There are no expected business impacts.

Consultation

A formal consultation period will be held upon publication of the proposed equivalency agreement in the Canada Gazette, Part I. Target for CGI publication is end of 2017 or early 2018.

Contact

Paola Mellow
Director, Electricity and Combustion Division
Telephone: 819-420-7761
Email: ec.electricite-electricity.ec@canada.ca

Regulations to Implement the Federal Backstop Carbon Pollution Pricing System

Enabling Act

New legislation (on carbon pricing backstop)

Description

Regulations may address aspects of the system such as: output-based standards; reporting requirements; and administrative penalties.

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The “One-for-One” Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

Public consultation is ongoing. A technical paper on the design of the federal backstop carbon pollution pricing system (PDF) was released on May 18, 2017 and the comment period ended on June 30, 2017. The intent is to consult on a draft legislative proposal beginning in August 2017.

More targeted consultations on the output-based pricing system are anticipated in late 2017 and 2018 to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to provide input and refine the development of the regulations. The proposed regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I. Target date for publication is in 2018.

The proposed regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I. Target date for publication is in 2018.

Contact

Lynda Danquah
Manager, Carbon Pricing Bureau
Telephone:819-420-7834
Email: lynda.danquah@canada.ca

Clean Fuel Standard

Enabling Act

Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Description

New regulatory requirements will be developed under CEPA. The standard will incent the use of lower carbon fuels and alternative technologies, such as electricity, renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and renewable fuels. It would address a broad suite of fuels, including liquid, gaseous and solid fuels, and would go beyond transportation fuels to include those used in industry, homes and buildings.

Indication of business impact

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Consultation

Consultations commenced in January 2017.  Also a discussion paper was published February 24, 2017. A summary of comments and a proposed framework is planned to be published in the summer 2017 and further consultations on the framework and regulatory design will continue through 2017.

 The proposed regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I for a 75-day comment period. Target date for publication is 2018.

Contact

Cam Carruthers
Executive Director, Oil, Gas and Alternative Energy Division
Telephone: 819-420-7928
Fax: 819-420-7410
Email: cam.carruthers@canada.ca

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