August 30, 2001

Pollution Probe denounces Ontario’s emissions trading program
Province’s approach a mess, won’t encourage cleaner air

(Toronto, ON)  Pollution Probe denounces Ontario’s proposed emissions trading program today in filing its final submission to the Ontario government.

“It’s a poorly thought out mess,” said Pollution Probe’s executive director Ken Ogilvie.  He argues that the Ontario government’s approach to developing its emissions trading system is seriously flawed. “It falls far short of what is needed to improve Ontario’s air quality, and we’re particularly concerned about the government’s last minute rush to introduce a system without proper consultation.”  

Among Pollution Probe’s concerns: 

• the proposed emissions trading program will not meet the Canada-U.S. Ozone Annex commitment for curbing nitrogen oxide (N0x) emissions from the electricity sector, a bilateral smog agreement signed in December 2000;
• the proposal leaves out major sectors and companies that emit large amounts of NOx pollution;
• the proposed sulphur dioxide (S0x) caps are far too weak; and,
• the Ontario government’s lack of willingness to consult with and respond to industry, individuals and groups interested in making the system work.

“To date, the province has virtually ignored the advice given by industry and environmental experts to make the system work,” Mr. Ogilvie said.

To address one of its flaws, Pollution Probe believes that, at a minimum, the current proposal should not proceed unless the government clearly outlines a process and timeline for bringing other major N0x polluting sectors and companies under the cap and allowance system.

Emissions trading is a tool that, when properly designed, can help industry achieve emission reduction targets at a lower overall cost. But it only works effectively when there is an overall emissions reduction target for all parties involved and specific allocations of targets for major sectors or companies. In the case of Ontario’s current proposal, there is no such reduction target for major emitters.

Ontario suffers the worst smog problem in the country.  The Ontario Medical Association estimates that 1,900 premature deaths occur in Ontario as a result of air pollution, costing over $1 billion to treat those affected by poor air quality.

In its submission, Pollution Probe notes that Ontario’s proposed emissions trading system is completely inconsistent with the report “Managing the Environment (January 2001), commonly known as the Val Gibbons report, and endorsed by the government as its new manifesto for doing business.

The Ontario government’s proposal is posted on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry (EBR) RA01E0020.  Pollution Probe’s comments are available at www.pollutionprobe.org/Happening/Index.htm.

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For more information:
Ken Ogilvie, Executive Director
(416) 926-1907 x231