Nova Scotians can provide feedback on the province’s approach to managing greenhouse gas emissions from liquefied natural gas facilities by participating in an online consultation, starting today, June 16.

Nova Scotia’s Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act sets a greenhouse gas emission target of at least 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020. At present Nova Scotia is a leader among Canadian provinces and is on track to meet the target.

To enable environmentally sustainable development, Nova Scotia is developing regulations for liquefied natural gas facilities in advance of plants being built.

“There are opportunities on the horizon so we are working on a greenhouse gas performance standard that sets fair and consistent expectations for industry,” said Environment Minister Margaret Miller. “We want to encourage cleaner, more efficient and innovative facilities that minimize emissions.”

Liquefied natural gas facilities in Goldboro, Guysborough Co. and Bear Head, Richmond Co. could be built in the next few years. Setting greenhouse gas performance standards for these facilities before construction starts will enable environment protection opportunities to be included in facility engineering and design.

Proposed options for compliance include:
–reducing emissions through facility design
–contributing to a fund at $25 a tonne for carbon dioxide equivalent emissions that exceed the performance standard, with revenue going to climate change and greenhouse gas reduction efforts

“We are seeking feedback from the industry and from all Nova Scotians as we finalize a plan,” Ms. Miller said.

The deadline for sending comments through an online consultation is Friday, July 29. The proposed greenhouse gas standard, frequently asked questions and the technical report are available at http://novascotia.ca/nse/resources/public.consultation.asp .

Source: Release