Comparing Provincial and Federal Oil and Gas Methane Emissions Regulations: Fact Sheets for Policy-Makers

Published by: David Suzuki Foundation and partners
Partners: Clean Air Institute, Environmental Defense Fund, Pembina Institute, Environmental Defence

Climate solutions methane pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, fossil fuels, industry

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with more than 80 times the climate warming effect of carbon dioxide over 20 years. Reducing methane emissions is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from the oil and gas sector.

The Government of Canada committed to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40 to 45 per cent below 2012 levels by 2025. Federal regulations were set in April 2018.

Provinces can choose to create their own regulations if they can achieve the same level of emissions reductions as the federal requirements. Canada’s three major oil and gas–producing provinces — British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan — chose to develop their own regulations.

These fact sheets outline best practices for methane regulations and compare Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan’s regulations to the federal ones. Although B.C.’s regulations include some strong elements, gaps remain. Alberta’s regulations are much weaker and far from achieving the needed emissions reductions. Saskatchewan’s approach lacks the necessary measurement, reporting and enforcement standards.

Fact sheets highlight shortcomings and opportunities for each province.