Reducing greenhouse gas emissions goal of new N.L. legislation

The Newfoundland and Labrador government has introduced legislation to reduce industrial emissions and set up a fund to promote clean technology.

• New greenhouse gas targets set by eastern premiers, governors

The Management of Greenhouse Gas Act is "about striking the right balance," Perry Trimper, minister responsible for the office of climate change and energy efficiency, saidTuesday.

According to Trimper, the legislation allows for two years of monitoring emissions to help develop reduction targets.

A fund will also be established to develop technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a fund that is 100 per cent industry funded by companies that produce more than an acceptable level of pollution.

"We welcome the approach that the provincial government has developed and the importance placed on taking local circumstances into account," saidDan Harris, Refinery Manager, North Atlantic Refining Ltd.

"Consulting with industry has ensured that we have been able to bring our perspectives to the table and we look forward to further work with the government to improve our environment."

The province estimatesthat large industrial players, such as oil and gas companiesand the Holyroodgenerating station,account for 43 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Eastern premiers and New England governors have set a target of decreasing carbon pollution by 35 to 45 per cent from 1990 levels by 2030.