February 23, 2012
OTTAWA — We understand the European Union (EU) Fuel Quality Committee today did not approve the implementing measures for their Fuel Quality Directive.We are pleased to see that many EU countries are opposed to this discriminatory measure. We are working to determine what the next steps will be.
The Government of Canada’s position on this remains unchanged. We are not opposed to the goal of the Fuel Quality Directive; however we remain strongly opposed to Canadian oil sands crude being unfairly discriminated against without scientific justification.
Independent studies have shown the life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of oil sands crude are similar to, or in some cases lower than, several crude oils currently imported and used daily in the EU.
If the EU moves ahead in implementing these or any other unjustified, discriminatory measures, Canada will not hesitate to defend its interests.
Our government will continue to promote Canada, and the oil sands, as a stable, secure, and responsible source of energy for the world.
Media may contact:
Patricia Best
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-996-2007
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447
The general public may contact:
Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EST
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
(teletype for the hearing-impaired)
E-mail:questions@nrcan.gc.ca
