The Government of Alberta is seeking feedback on the proposed TIER system
The Government of Alberta recently released information on the proposed Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system, described as new way to manage emissions from large industrial carbon emitters, which account for more than half Alberta’s total green house gas emissions. Under the proposed plan, large emitters that produce more than the allowable limit of carbon dioxide would be required to pay into a clean technology fund or purchase offset credits starting January 1, 2020. TIER will replace the current Carbon Competitiveness Incentive Regulation which was implemented in January 2018.
Under the proposed TIER system, facilities that emit more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide will have to reduce their emissions intensity by 10 percent compared to their average emissions between 2016 and 2018. To achieve this, facilities can:
- Reduce their emissions
- Use credits from facilities that have met and exceeded their emissions targets
- Use emission offsets from organizations that are not regulated by TIER, but have voluntarily reduced their emissions
- Pay into the TIER Fund, which will be used for new and cleaner Alberta-based technologies that reduce emissions, like research and investment in carbon capture, utilization and storage, and improved oilsands extraction technology
In a news conference on July 9, 2019, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Devin Dreeshen, stated
“Alberta’s farmers, ranchers and foresters are some of the most entrepreneurial business people. TIER will focus on helping them stay competitive with cutting-edge new technologies. Alberta is open for business, and TIER is just one more way Alberta’s government is sending that message.”
Minister roundtables will be held over three days with representatives from oil and gas, electricity, chemicals, fertilizers, minerals and metals, forest products, coal mines, landfills, food processors, agro-industry, and distilling sectors.
The Government of Alberta encourages individuals interested in providing feedback to read the TIER Discussion Document to gain a better understanding of the proposed policy changes expected under the TIER system compared to the current Carbon Competitiveness Incentives Regulation.
To submit your feedback:
- Complete the TIER Stakeholder Feedback Form
- Email the completed form to engagement@gov.ab.ca by August 2, 2019.
For enquiries, please contact:
Alex Mochid
Policy Analyst
alex@RMAlberta.com
Tasha Blumenthal
Director of External Relations & Advocacy
tasha@RMAlberta.com