GOVERNMENT RE-INTRODUCES CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION

Today, the Government of Saskatchewan re-introduced its climate change legislation that establishes the framework for how the province will meet its target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent from 2006 levels by 2020 and foster innovation in low-carbon technologies.

"Saskatchewan is offering real solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through this legislation," Environment Minister Nancy Heppner said. "We are making strides to reduce our emissions while supporting the development of technologies that can be used around the world to help meet reduction targets."

The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act contains two key elements:

• The creation of a Saskatchewan Technology Fund that collects carbon compliance payments from large emitters to invest in low-emitting technologies and processes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and 
• A Climate Change Foundation that promotes research and development of low carbon technologies, promotes adaptation and fosters public education and awareness.

Changes to the Act, which was introduced to the legislature last May, but do not alter the original bill's fundamental approach, include:

• Adding the authority to establish performance agreements with large emitters to reduce greenhouse gas emissions outside of regulated activities and with non-regulated emitters in the agriculture, transportation and commercial and residential building sectors; and
• Providing for an Environmental Code to establish standards, guidelines and best practices for reducing emissions by large emitters and other sectors, which ensures the consistency of this Act with the province's results-based environmental regulatory framework.

Heppner will be accompanying the Canadian delegation to Copenhagen Dec. 13-19, in order to ensure Saskatchewan's unique environmental and economic circumstances are considered and also to share the Saskatchewan solution to reducing greenhouse gasses with the world.

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For more information, contact:

Jennifer Redston
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5796