23 results on '"*ENVIRONMENTAL policy"'
Search Results
2. THE GROUND RULES FOR EFFECTIVE OBAs: PRINCIPLES FOR ADDRESSING CARBON-PRICING COMPETITIVENESS CONCERNS THROUGH THE USE OF OUTPUT-BASED ALLOCATIONS.
- Author
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Dobson, Sarah, Fellows, G. Kent, Tombe, Trevor, and Winter, Jennifer
- Subjects
- *
CARBON pricing , *CARBON dioxide mitigation , *BUSINESS enterprises , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *NATURAL gas - Abstract
The federal government's decision to impose a minimum national price on carbon emissions has the potential to make certain businesses in the country less competitive. Specifically, there are emissions-intensive and trade-exposed industries across Canada that compete against producers from other jurisdictions where governments do not put a price on carbon. For these industries, the obligation to pay a carbon price creates a competitive disadvantage. Specifically, these businesses will face higher costs and may encounter a loss of market share to international competitors from jurisdictions that lack the same emission-control measures. That not only hurts Canadian businesses, it could also negate any emissions reductions that carbon pricing in Canada achieves on a global scale. The federal government has opted to protect such emissions-intensive, tradeexposed businesses using subsidies called output-based allocations (OBAs). This is the same system that Alberta is introducing through its forthcoming Carbon Competiveness Regulation. It also shares certain similarities with cap-and-trade programs, such as those in Ontario and Quebec, which provide free allocations of emissions permits to certain firms. OBAs are a desirable complementary policy to a carbon price as they maintain the incentive for producers to invest in production methods and facilities that are less emissions intensive. So while producers are still, nevertheless, subsidized to offset the tax burden of the carbon price, they will, under an OBA system, see greater benefits the more they work to reduce their emissions intensity. Still, to function most effectively and most efficiently, an OBA policy should follow certain key principles. The most critical principle in the design of an OBA policy is ensuring that OBAs are allocated to facilities independent of their individual emission levels, and allocated equally (on a per unit basis) to facilities producing the same product. One of the major flaws with Alberta's current Specified Gas Emitters Regulation (SGER) is that it does not follow this principle. Rather, subsidies under SGER are allocated based on a facility's historical emissions intensity. As a result, more generous subsidies are given to those facilities that are "dirtier" (that is, those with higher emissions intensities) than to "cleaner" facilities with lower emission intensities. Secondly, it is important for a well-designed OBA policy to have transparent costs. Including a clear accounting of OBAs in government finance reports will ensure the public is fully aware of the revenues being directed to the subsidies. Thirdly, OBAs for different facilities are best allocated using a classification system based on the product being produced, and not using more conventional industry-classification codes. Commonly used conventional industry classifications--for example, conventional oil and natural gas extraction--group together facilities that produce distinct products and compete in different markets. Consequently, this classification will not recognize the various levels of emissions intensity and trade exposure within an industry. This will result in some facilities receiving more OBAs than they should and others receiving less than they should. Finally, a well-designed OBA system should seek to be as administratively efficient as possible with minimal implementation costs imposed on government and businesses. It is important to recognize that the federal carbon price and OBAs are a new policy and that many large emitting facilities have been making investment decisions based on a previous regulatory environment. Therefore, a compromise approach may be to initially provide an output subsidy based on a facility's past emissions intensity (as Alberta has historically done under its SGER system) and then to transition gradually to the optimal OBA system over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2017
3. Resource sterilization: reserve replacement, financial risk, and environmental review in Canada's tar sands.
- Author
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Zalik, Anna
- Subjects
- *
RESOURCE management , *FINANCIAL risk , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *PETROLEUM industry , *TAR - Abstract
Pivoting on the process of reserve replacement undertaken by key oil transnationals in Canada as a spatial fix for capital, the article considers how individual firms employ formal review processes to project their strategic interests. The proponent firm shapes, through its own participation, the regulatory terrain on which competitors will subsequently operate. In Alberta's tar sands, the oil industry's reserve replacement process serves as a spatial–temporal fix for capital, and the review process and tribunal acts as a complementary socio-ecological fix – restricting social/affective claims, including First Nations resistance, to an official tribunal setting. In seeking formal approval to replace declining oil and gas reserves with unconventionals, proponent firms claim investor security, while social movement opponents emphasize risk and insecurity arising from carbon-intensive, frontier extraction. In the case of the contested Shell Jackpine Mine Expansion Joint Review Panel, as in other environmental assessment processes in Alberta, the proponent firm and state representatives employ the oxymoronic term ‘resource sterilization’ to describe ecological protection. ‘Resource sterilization’ offers a discursive representation of how capital's spatio-temporal fix in unconventionals is facilitated through the terms of the formal review process, in which social claims are muted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
4. Dispersed Capacity and Weak Coordination: The Challenge of Climate Change Adaptation in Canada's Forest Policy Sector.
- Author
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Rayner, Jeremy, McNutt, Kathleen, and Wellstead, Adam
- Subjects
- *
FOREST policy , *DECENTRALIZATION in government , *GOVERNMENT policy on climate change , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *FOREST microclimatology , *POLICY analysis , *POLICY networks - Abstract
Constitutional and institutional legacies were combined to create a very decentralized forest policy sector in Canada. Where coherent policy requires a national response-as is the case with adaptation to climate change-the critical challenge is to locate the relevant decentralized policy capacity and steer it toward meeting national objectives. While there is some evidence that significant policy capacity exists in provincial forest and resource management departments, climate change adaptation has led to an expansion of departmental mandates that is not being addressed by better coordination of the available policy capacity. The relevant federal agencies are not well represented in information networks and forest policy workers report lower levels of internal and external networking than workers in related policy subsectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. Not directly affected: Using the law to close the door on environmentalists.
- Author
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Sherman, Joan and Gismondi, Michael
- Subjects
- *
PUBLIC health administration , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *ENVIRONMENTAL law - Abstract
Outlines how decisions affecting public health and environment are made at local administrative tribunal level in Alberta and how the law on standing was used to exclude environmentalists from raising criticisms about the design of an industrial landfill for a pulp mill.
- Published
- 1996
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
6. CAN CANADA SAVE ITS ENVIRONMENT?
- Author
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Salloum, Habeeb
- Subjects
- *
ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *GREENHOUSE gases , *OIL sands - Abstract
The article discusses environmental conditions and policies in Canada. The author discusses how increases in air pollution and greenhouse gases have affected the health of Canadians and contributed to climate change. The growth of the environmental organization Greenpeace in Canada and efforts by the Canadian Green Party to draw attention to environmental concerns are noted. Increases in greenhouse gas emissions due to exploitation of tar sands in Alberta are discussed.
- Published
- 2009
7. Pulse of the province.
- Author
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Byfield, Mike and Hope, Philip
- Subjects
- *
ECONOMIC indicators , *INDUSTRIES , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy - Abstract
Provides news briefs related to the economy of Alberta. Carbon dioxide emissions and the international conference in Kyoto, Japan; The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP); Delayed transactions of the Alberta Stock Exchange; Top trader of the week; Top residential sales; Bankruptcy; The dangers of used oilfield equipment from the United States; Samac Engineering Ltd.; The Frontier Centre for Public Policy in Winnipeg; Technology Partnerships Canada; Untreated pine as roofing.
- Published
- 1998
8. CO2 sucker-punch.
- Author
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Cosh, Colby
- Subjects
- *
GLOBAL warming , *POLITICAL science , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy - Abstract
Discusses the reactions of Federal Environment Minister Sergio Marchi to the 1996 research on global warming. His intentions to make Canada a world leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are allegedly causing the global warming phenomenon; His avoidance of discussing the costs of reduction and the uncertainty of the science behind the claims; The impact on Alberta. INSETS: The healthy smoker, by David Philip;Baywatch causes cancer.
- Published
- 1996
9. OH, CANADA.
- Author
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NIKIFORUK, ANDREW
- Subjects
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ENERGY policy , *OIL sands , *PETROLEUM production , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *PETROLEUM reserves , *PETROLEUM & the environment , *INTERNATIONAL economic relations - Abstract
The article looks at Canadian energy policy, as of 2013, focusing on the country's effort to develop its large petroleum reserves and related policy issues. It describes the production of a type of crude oil, bitumen, from oil sands in Alberta, noting it has grown to provide a large share of the country's export income and of provincial and federal tax revenue. It discusses changes in the country's environmental policies made under the administration of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to facilitate oil production. Topics include greenwashing, or offering misleading statements on environmental impacts, Canadian-Chinese trade relations, and the denial of scientific evidence regarding climate change.
- Published
- 2013
10. TIME TO CLEAR THE AIR.
- Author
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McCLEARN, MATTHEW
- Subjects
- *
ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *KEYSTONE pipeline project , *GOVERNMENT policy on climate change , *GREENHOUSE gas mitigation , *GOVERNMENT policy - Abstract
The article discusses environmental policy in Canada as of April 2013, with information on the pending approval of the Keystone XL pipeline and government policy in the U.S. on climate change. Topics include Canadian policy on limiting greenhouse-gas emissions; the growth of Canada's oilsands industry; and the oil industry in Alberta, Canada.
- Published
- 2013
11. Slip Sliding Away Compared with Norway's bulging bank account, Alberta's Heritage Fund falls well short of its potential.
- Author
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Nikiforuk, Andrew
- Subjects
- *
SPECIAL funds (Public finance) , *NONRENEWABLE natural resources , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *ENVIRONMENTAL law , *ENVIRONMENTAL protection - Abstract
The article compares the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund of Canada with that of Norway's Government Pension Fund. The Alberta Heritage Fund was created in 1976 by then Canadian premier Peter Lougheed. It was decided 30 percent of all non-renewable-resource revenue in Canada will go into this fund. However, later governments stopped contributing to the fund and its present value stands at $17-billion. Also, Alberta has no targets for its fund nor does it have law with clearly laid out goals. On the contrary, Norway's Pension Fund has amassed $400-billion today.
- Published
- 2008
12. Postscript.
- Author
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Pashak, Barrett
- Subjects
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GRAIN , *VIDEO lottery terminals , *POPULATION , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *TRANSPORTATION - Abstract
Offers news briefs pertaining to Canada for January 11, 1999. The former Supreme Court Justice Willard Estey's report on Canada's grain transportation system; British Columbia losing population to other provinces; Amoco Canada's gas leases in the environmentally sensitive Whaleback region of southewestern Alberta; Spending on video lottery terminals in Alberta.
- Published
- 1999
13. Province of the dammed?
- Author
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Fuller, Patty
- Subjects
- *
WATER supply policy , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *FREE trade - Abstract
Considers the charge by Alberta environmentalists that there is a long-term conspiracy to divert water from the northern part of the province to the south and then to the United States. Why some believe that a study of Alberta's network of dams and reservoirs points to a water export plot; The Prairie Rivers Improvement, Management and Evaluation plan; Claim of Cliff Wallis, Alberta Environmental Network, that North American Free Trade Agreement is part of the plot.
- Published
- 1994
14. Oil drillers keep out.
- Author
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Koch, George
- Subjects
- *
ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *PETROLEUM prospecting , *OIL well drilling , *GOVERNMENT policy - Abstract
Cites `Special Places 2000: Alberta's Natural Heritage,' from the Department of Environmental Protection, which proposes to permanently wall off vast areas of Alberta from use by resource industries and many recreationists. Proposed wildland recreation area for the Eastern Slopes Region; Energy Department reaction; Claim of Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers that they were not consulted; Oil and gas exploration in Rocky Mountain areas; Long-term effects of oil and gas activity.
- Published
- 1994
15. A western windfall for all of Canada.
- Author
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Righton, Barbara
- Subjects
- *
OIL sands , *ENERGY industries , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy - Abstract
The editorial argues that the Alberta oil sands boom will benefit the other Canadian provinces. Figures are presented from the Canadian Energy Research Institute that estimate the positive impact that Alberta's energy industry will have on the other provinces. A number of Canadian non-profits issued a report criticizing the boom titled "Fueling Fortress North America," which calls for a halt in oil sand extraction in order to protect the environment.
- Published
- 2006
16. Kyoto Backlash.
- Author
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Laird, Gordon
- Subjects
- *
ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *FOSSIL fuels , *PUBLIC finance - Abstract
Focuses on the opposition of the provincial officials to the Kyoto Protocol in Alberta. Reduction in the greenhouse gas emission; Investment of the government on fossil fuels; Proposal of spending the discretionary funds aimed at lobbying the Kyoto Protocol.
- Published
- 2003
17. Kyoto's teeth.
- Author
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Stock, Peter
- Subjects
- *
INTERNATIONAL cooperation on climate change , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *EMISSIONS trading , *AIR pollution prevention , *ECONOMIC history - Abstract
Discusses the ways that Alberta and British Columbia are preparing to protect their economies from federal climate controls. Claims of John Manley that Canada's potential failure to meet emissions targets would not matter; Idea that Manley has contradicted the wording of the Kyoto convention on climate change; Non-compliance of nations within the agreement which would cause them to lose the right to trade emissions credits internationally; Admission of the World Wildlife Fund that there is less enforcement with an environmental agreement than with a trade agreement.
- Published
- 2002
18. A new green law, another fight.
- Author
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Hope, Philip
- Subjects
- *
ENVIRONMENTALISTS , *ENVIRONMENTALISM , *ENVIRONMENTAL law , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy - Abstract
Discusses the fight that environmentalists have launched against Alberta's proposed all-encompassing Natural Heritage Act governing all parks, special places and wilderness. Criticism of the act; Response from Environment Minister Ty Lund; Challenge to the bill by the Federation of Alberta Naturalists and the Alberta Wilderness Association.
- Published
- 1999
19. Hypothetical pipe and power lines.
- Author
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Leslie-Spinks, Amanda
- Subjects
- *
PUBLIC utilities , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *REAL estate development ,ENVIRONMENTAL aspects - Abstract
Explains opposition to a proposed utility corridor to be cut through the Lakeland Recreation Area near Lac La Biche, Alberta. Why the corridor is controversial; Tract part of the Special Places 2000 initiative to set aside important ecological areas; Other conflicts between the government and environmentalists; Creation of the Lakeland Recreation Area in 1992; Conflict of preservation with development allowances in the initiative; More.
- Published
- 1998
20. The fight for the forests.
- Author
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D.S.
- Subjects
- *
FOREST policy , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy - Abstract
Looks at the controversy engendered by Alberta's intention to award rights to log a virgin forest south and west of Wood Buffalo National Park. Environmentalists contention that Alberta has already reached the saturation point for logging; Charge that government tree inventories are not only inadequate but dangerous; Shortfall in timber supplies at some mills; Mill representatives attempting to work out common ground between rival bids.
- Published
- 1994
21. Hooked by the fish police.
- Author
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Carter, Toni Owen
- Subjects
- *
ENVIRONMENTAL policy - Abstract
Tells of a little-known Alberta Fish and Wildlife regulation that wardens used to fine a flotilla of anglers at Crawling Valley Reservoir on Labour Day Monday. While retired Oyen Dr. James McCracken, 74, and his nine buddies were careful to abide by the posted regulations, and measured to be sure their walleye were 15 inches long, they were not aware of the ban on filleting. Size of their fine; Their anger that the filleting ban was not posted; Comments from McCracken.
- Published
- 1993
22. Fighting for the foothills.
- Author
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Fuller, Patty
- Subjects
- *
ENVIRONMENTAL policy - Abstract
States the newly-formed Rocky Mountain Ecosystem Coalition has demanded that Alberta carry out an environmental impact assessment prior to the sale of oil and gas rights in Kananaskis Country and other `eastern slopes' regions. Scheduled sale of drilling rights; Effects of seismic lines, drilling, pipelines and access roads in fragmenting critical wildlife habitat; Existing provincial eastern slopes policy; Probability Alberta Tories are not listening.
- Published
- 1993
23. Lost: One more acre to salt leaching.
- Author
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Hope, Philip
- Subjects
- *
FARMS , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy - Abstract
Discusses the impact of road salt leaching on farmland in Alberta. Complaints from a Grimshaw farmer, Joe Bliska, that the Alberta Environmental Protection Agency has stalled a decision to clean up contamination; Effects of Alberta Transportation's stockpile of mixed salt and sand; Efforts to order a clean-up of the damaged farm land.
- Published
- 1998
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