Montreal, December 11, 2020 – Équiterre welcomes the regulatory tightening in the federal government's new climate plan, but reiterates the need for new and more ambitious targets - an obligation in order to face the climate crisis.
"Will we get it right this time - will we finally meet our targets? Let’s hope! The European Union just unveiled its new target of reducing GHGs by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. For its part, Canada is still working within a scenario of a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, despite its intention to improve this target. Today’s announcement is progress in our current scenario, but our current scenario is not adapted to the climate emergency," says Marc-André Viau, Director of Government Relations at Équiterre.
Good news about more restrictive carbon pricing
It is encouraging to see that the performance-based carbon pricing system is being enhanced to better reflect the true costs of pollution. The federal government is going beyond the Parliamentary Budget Officer's estimates, raising the cost per tonne of carbon to $170 in 2030.
“Forest fires, floods, deadly heat waves, increased risks to health and agricultural production - climate change caused by pollution comes at a cost. Either we pay the price upstream or we pay the price downstream. Canadians cannot afford to foot the bill for inaction,” adds Marc-André-Viau.
A welcomed clean fuel standard
Announced in 2016 and coming into effect in 2021, the Clean Fuel Standard will finally come to life. The first phase, which covers liquid fuels such as gasoline for cars, is expected to have a significant impact on emissions from the transportation sector.
“For strong and consistent action in this sector, the Clean Fuel Standard must be accompanied by other regulatory measures, including a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standard for both freight and passenger transportation,” concludes Marc-André Viau.
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For more information:
Anthony Côté Leduc, Media Relations
514-605-2000
acoteleduc@equiterre.org
