Alberta agrees to emission targets

Alberta is taking steps to reduce emissions from its electricity sector that will make it a North American leader in this area.
The government is adopting all the recommendations of the Clean Air Strategic Alliance, a non-profit organization that consists of government, industry and non-governmental organizations such as health and environmental groups.
The Alliance developed an emissions management framework at the request of Alberta’s Environment Minister Lorne Taylor. He had asked the Alliance to develop a framework that would see any new coal-fired electricity plant built in the province to meet its “clean as gas” standard announced in 2001.
The framework, which will be implemented by January 1, 2006, calls for:
a 50 per cent reduction in mercury by the end of 2009
a 46 per cent reduction in sulphur dioxide by 2025
a 32 per cent reduction in nitrogen dioxide by 2025
a 51 per cent reduction in particulate matter by 2025.
Taylor noted that the strength of the framework is that it works both for industry and for the environmental community.
“The Clean Air Strategic Alliance is a shining example of how to deal with complex environmental issues where you need to find a balance between environmental protection and economic development,” he said.
The Alliance is also hoping that greenhouse gas reductions will be included within the framework. Any targets would likely be tied to an agreement that the province is negotiating with the electricity sector.
“An Emissions Management Framework for the Alberta Electricity Sector Report to Stakeholders” is available at www.casahome.org