Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Management

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B.C. Reg 185/2024 outlines several amendments related to environmental regulations, particularly focusing on greenhouse gas emissions and carbon management in British Columbia.

One significant change is the implementation of Section 181 of the Budget Measures Implementation Act, 2023, which is officially brought into force to improve budget measures related to climate action. Additionally, amendments to the BC Carbon Registry Regulation include replacing the term “the contingency account” with “a contingency account” in section 13 (5)(c), providing greater clarity regarding the nature of the contingency accounts referenced in the regulation.

Further updates to the Emission Offset Project Regulation redefine how offset units are credited to contingency accounts, especially concerning sequestration projects. The amendments stipulate that up to 51% of offset units can be credited to a contingency account, depending on specific conditions. New provisions clarify how units retired from these contingency accounts can influence crediting to project proponents during crediting periods.

Changes have also been made to the Administrative Penalties and Appeals Regulation, ensuring accurate references to sections within the regulation, particularly changing references from section 41.16 to 41.15. The Greenhouse Gas Emission Reporting Regulation has been amended to refine the definition of “date of first shipment,” clarifying the timelines for when products become regulated. New operators are mandated to register within 30 days of taking over a facility or operation, ensuring that reporting on emissions produced by different facilities within a regulated operation is comprehensive and accountable.

The schedules accompanying the orders reflect various changes: Schedule 1 includes minor terminology amendments in the BC Carbon Registry Regulation, while Schedule 2 outlines significant adjustments to the Emission Offset Project Regulation, particularly in Section 24, which allows for a more flexible approach to crediting offset units while ensuring accountability and alignment with environmental goals. Schedule 3 updates administrative penalties to improve clarity in enforcement procedures, and Schedule 4 introduces detailed modifications that streamline emissions reporting definitions and clarify operational responsibilities. This includes specific instructions for operators on how to record and report emissions, especially concerning temporary shutdowns or facility closures.

The orders issued by the Executive Council represent a critical step in the province’s ongoing efforts to improve its climate action initiatives. By implementing these amendments, British Columbia aims to strengthen its regulatory framework, ensuring it is equipped to meet its environmental targets while facilitating a transition toward more sustainable industrial practices. These changes also emphasize the importance of precise language in regulations to avoid ambiguity and improve compliance.

British Columbia (185/2024) July 8, 2024