The provincial government has proposed capping Greenhouse gas emissions from the Alberta oilsands at 100 megatonnes a year. Environment Minister Shannon Phillips says that limit was agreed to by oilsands industry representatives and environmental groups.
Based on estimates from the National Energy Board, CBC reports the province doesn’t think emissions will reach that level for another 15 years. However, it’s believed that the prospect of a cap will encourage companies to invest in greenhouse gas reduction and innovative technologies.
he oilsands accounted for 66 megatonnes of emissions in 2014, which was 24 per cent of Alberta’s total, and 9 per cent nationally for the year.