Nobody said it was going to be easy

Emission rules begin in 2010

The Canadian federal government released its long-awaited environment plan yesterday, pledging mandatory restrictions on smog levels by 2010 and a plan to cut greenhouse gases in half by 2050. The plan disappointed critics by failing to set immediate limits on large industrial polluters. Instead, it sets out a schedule that begins immediately and commits the government to a series of regulatory efforts it says would dramatically reduce pollution. It would begin within 12 months with tougher restrictions on pollution from motorcycles, recreational vehicles, watercraft and a range of other smog-producers. Ottawa would also begin planning mandatory restrictions on industrial polluters, to take effect in 2010, and set targets for greenhouse gas emissions to take effect between 2010 and 2015. The centrepiece of the Conservative plan is the Clean Air Act. The plan indicates specific caps and targets for industry will be determined through "detailed consultations" with the provinces, industry, native groups and others.

The lack of immediate restrictions and the new round of consultations angered environmentalists and opposition politicians, who say the plan is a delaying tactic. All three opposition parties said they would vote against the bill, casting doubt on whether it will ever become law. Even groups that applauded the elements dealing with air quality expressed disappointment that measures kick in only in 2010. Under the Tory plan, large emitters, such as oil and gas producers and power generators, would not face hard caps on carbon emissions until 2020. Instead, they would face targets based on "emissions intensity," which forces industry to lower emissions per unit produced, while allowing the total volume to rise in tandem with growing production. However, speaking at a convention in Niagara Falls, Prime Minister Harper offered a sweeping defence of the energy sector. Harper said the contributions of energy industries to the Canadian economy sustain the nation's high quality of life. "For international investors, the most important sector story I have to tell is energy," he told a packed convention hall. "Canada is an emerging energy superpower." With energy security an increasing preoccupation for countries all over the world, Alberta's oil sands, he said, are the "second-largest proven petroleum reserves on the planet." Without ever addressing the concerns of the critics of the environmental plan directly, Harper suggested that caps on energy production that could curtail oil and gas production would create hardship for Canadians. Business groups from various sectors applauded the legislation, even though it is light on detail.
(Globe and Mail, National Post 061020)

Avoid the tough questions, Stephen. You don't care and never wanted to do anything to address Kyoto. Your entire proposal is a bunch of hot air...lots of proposals to proclaim intention to study things further. You have done nothing to steward true change of economic processes in this country. 'We'll wait and see what works' = There's far too much profit at stake by questioning the actions of the status quo - if the Americans don't have to, we don't either. Bullshit. Get on the boat NOW, Harpoon! All this concern about hardship is going to be but a drop in the bucket of what the definition of hardship will be for our descendants as they traipse through the sand dunes looking for water.