The Oil and Gas Emissions Cap could transform Canada’s climate action by targeting the largest and fastest-growing source of carbon pollution: oil and gas. According to the most recent analysis from the Government of Canada, oil and gas now account for nearly a third of Canada’s domestic emissions, and carbon pollution from this sector has grown by 83% between 1990 and 2022. 

The cap involves creating a new cap-and-trade system under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, designed to reduce emissions and meet Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets. Entering the formal regulatory process in late 2024, this critical policy needs public support to ensure strong regulations.

Email your MP today to demand a robust cap on oil and gas pollution!

Why We Need a Cap on Oil and Gas Pollution

The Emissions Cap presents a vital opportunity to fight climate change, protect public health, and future-proof the economy. While Canada has addressed emissions in electricity, transportation, and buildings, oil and gas remains the largest contributor, responsible for almost a third of domestic emissions. It’s time for this sector to share the responsibility.

Regulating oil and gas will also enhance air quality, saving lives and improving daily life across Canada.

A Strong Cap Supports Health

A robust oil and gas cap is critical for protecting health. The World Health Organization identifies climate change as humanity’s greatest health threat, causing extreme weather events, food system disruptions, and disease spread. Vulnerable groups bear the brunt of these impacts.

CAPE’s 2022 analysis highlights the benefits of a strong cap: meeting Canada’s 45% emissions reduction target by 2030 could prevent 4,860 premature deaths and yield $45.1 billion in economic benefits. Improved air quality, reduced healthcare costs, and fewer missed workdays are additional advantages.

Air pollution from oil and gas contributes significantly to health issues, with Health Canada linking it to 15,300 premature deaths annually through pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.

The Oil And Gas Industry’s Fair Share

Canada’s Paris Agreement goal is to cut emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030. While sectors like electricity and waste have reduced emissions, oil and gas pollution has surged 83% since 1990, making it the fastest-growing source. This industry must meet the same targets as the rest of the economy.

Demand Strong Regulations

The Oil and Gas Emissions Cap faces pressure for weakened targets, exemptions, and loopholes. CAPE advocates for strong measures, including:

• 45% reduction by 2030: Targets for oil and gas must match Canada’s economy-wide goal.
• No timeline extensions: Reductions must occur by 2030, with no delays.
• No loopholes: Compliance must be enforced, with offsets regulated, all facilities covered, and no new carbon capture and storage investments allowed.

Support strong regulations to tackle Canada’s largest source of carbon pollution.