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The new action plan and strategy intend for nearly $2.7 billion
to be invested towards the government's climate change goals.
Revenues to implement the plan, which is intended to be
self-funded, are expected to come from the carbon market, as well
as charges on fossil fuels and combustibles which have been
extended until 2014.
The transport industry is estimated to account for 43% of all
GHG emissions in Québec. As such, two-thirds of revenues
from the action plan will fund transportation measures such as
public and alternative transit, as well as inter-modality and
energy efficiency in freight transport.
The plan also allocates $200 million to support efforts by
businesses to reduce GHG emissions by, for example, investing in
projects related to energy efficiency, process optimization and the
installation of more eco-performing equipment. In addition, $40
million will be dedicated to support the development and marketing
of new technologies, which will allow businesses not only to reduce
their emissions, but also create a unique Quebec expertise.
The initiatives announced on June 3rd constitute the
first phase of this open-ended 2013-2020 action plan. The second
phase of the plan will be launched at midpoint in consideration of
the revenue generated by the carbon market and the new policy
directions adopted with respect to sustainable mobility, land-use
planning and energy. The action plan will also evolve according to
the development of climate science, new technologies and
Québec's progress in the attainment of its
objectives.
The implementation of the 2013-2020 action plan can be followed
on the www.QuebecVert2020.gouv.qc.ca Web site, as
well as on Twitter account @QuebecVert2020.
Another recent development towards Quebec's GHG reduction
goals is the publication on June 8, 2012 in the Quebec Official
Gazette of two draft regulations amending the Regulation
respecting mandatory reporting of certain emissions of contaminants
into the atmosphere and the Regulation respecting a
cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emission allowances,
respectively.
Amendments to the Regulation respecting a cap-and-trade
system for greenhouse gas emission allowances are intended to
link the Quebec system with the California system as well as those
of future partners such as Ontario and British Columbia. To this
end, it specifies system registration admissibility conditions and
necessary documents, as well as the procedure regulating emission
rights trading and auctions, and provides the conditions for the
delivery of offset credits, including protocols regarding certain
admissible projects. Finally, amendments were made to adjust the
regulation further to the adoption of Bill 89, An Act to amend
the Environment Quality Act in order to reinforce compliance,
by providing for administrative penalties and greater penal
sanctions.
The Regulation respecting mandatory reporting of certain
emissions of contaminants into the atmosphere was also amended
in order to complete the necessary harmonization with Western
Climate Initiative (WCI) rules, notably, by adding declaration
protocols. It provides, among other amendments, that the
obligation to audit GHG emission declarations only applies to
emitters subject to the GHG cap-and-trade system.
Starting in 2013, 34 GHG emission allowances cap-and-trade
systems are expected to be functional around the globe. In Quebec,
2012 is a transition year during which entities subject to
regulation will have an opportunity to become familiar with the
system. The first carbon market compliance period will begin
January 1st, 2013.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
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