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Canada's Oil and Gas Emission Reduction Targets
Canada's new regulations target significant reductions in oil and gas emissions, focusing on methane. Industry perspectives vary on the feasibility of achieving the ambitious goals.
English
Canada
Climate ChangeEnergy SecurityEnvironmentEnergyEmissionsRegulationsIndustry
Birchcliff Energy Ltd.Pathways AlliancePembina InstituteCanadian Association Of Petroleum ProducersAlberta Energy Regulator
Steven GuilbeaultChris CarlsenJanetta MckenzieLisa Baiton
- What is the significance of methane in relation to the overall emission reduction goals?
- Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a byproduct of conventional oil and gas drilling. Reducing methane emissions is considered relatively cost-effective compared to other decarbonization strategies, making it a priority area for emission reduction.
- What are the key provisions of Canada's new regulations concerning oil and gas emissions?
- Canada's new regulations mandate a one-third reduction in oil and gas emissions within eight years. The conventional sector is expected to contribute significantly to these reductions, primarily through methane emission cuts.
- What progress has the oil and gas industry already made in reducing methane emissions, and what challenges remain?
- The oil and gas industry has already made progress in reducing methane emissions, largely through fixing leaks and reducing venting. However, achieving further substantial reductions will be more challenging and costly, according to industry representatives.
- What is the Pathways Alliance, and what role does it play in addressing emissions in the Canadian oil and gas sector?
- The Pathways Alliance's proposed carbon capture and storage network aims to reduce CO2 emissions from oil sands operations; however, the project's feasibility and implementation remain uncertain.
- What are the differing perspectives of environmental groups and industry leaders on the feasibility of further methane reductions?
- While environmental groups and the government believe additional methane emission reductions are achievable through measures like improved leak detection and repair, industry leaders argue that the low-hanging fruit has already been addressed.