Greenhouse Gas Reporting by Petrochemical Manufacturers

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Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation 56/23, filed on August 18, 2023, amends the Management of Greenhouse Gas Reporting Regulations under the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act. These amendments aim to improve the regulatory framework for greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting in the province, ensuring more comprehensive data collection and accountability in sectors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The changes are authorized under Section 29 of the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act and were issued by Bernard Davis, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. The primary objective is to update the regulations to reflect the evolving industrial landscape, particularly concerning the petrochemical sector, and to improve the mechanisms for reporting GHG emissions.

One of the amendments is the inclusion of petrochemical manufacturing as a new category subject to GHG reporting requirements. This addition acknowledges the role of petrochemical facilities in greenhouse gas emissions and aims to ensure their contributions are properly documented and managed. Specifically, subsection 5(1) of the existing regulations will be amended by adding a new paragraph (d.1) that focuses on petrochemical manufacturing, highlighting the government’s intention to monitor and control emissions from this sector more effectively. Additionally, Schedule D, which outlines the various categories of activities and industries required to report their greenhouse gas emissions, will be updated to include a new row following the entry for “mobile equipment,” reflecting a heightened focus on comprehensive reporting.

By expanding the scope of regulated industries, the government aims to enhance the accuracy and completeness of GHG emissions data, which is crucial for assessing the province’s progress in reducing emissions and meeting climate targets. The inclusion of additional sectors also increases accountability among industries concerning their environmental impact. Companies will now be required to adopt more rigorous monitoring and reporting practices, which can lead to improved environmental stewardship.

Regulation 56/23 is to aid in Newfoundland and Labrador’s efforts to combat climate change by improving the regulatory framework for greenhouse gas reporting. The inclusion of petrochemical manufacturing as a reporting category reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive emissions data across all relevant sectors.

Newfoundland and Labrador (56/23) August 18, 2023