On June 26, 2026, Québec’s Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks issued Ministerial Order 2026-0009, adopting amendments to the Regulation respecting manure anaerobic digestion projects eligible for the issuance of offset credits. The regulatory change modifies the terminology used to define eligible manure for carbon offset projects and is intended to improve consistency in the province’s regulatory framework for agricultural methane reduction initiatives.

The central change introduced by the amendment affects section 2 of the Regulation respecting manure anaerobic digestion projects eligible for the issuance of offset credits. The regulation replaces the phrase “animal waste under liquid manure management” in the first paragraph of the definition of “manure” with the broader term “liquid livestock waste.” This terminology update applies to the regulatory framework governing anaerobic digestion projects that generate greenhouse gas reductions eligible for offset credits.

Anaerobic digestion projects involve the controlled decomposition of organic materials, such as livestock manure, to capture methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Captured biogas can be processed for energy production, while the methane reductions achieved through these projects can potentially generate offset credits within Québec’s carbon market framework. By refining the definition of eligible manure, the amendment clarifies the types of livestock waste materials that may qualify under the regulation.

The replacement of “animal waste under liquid manure management” with “liquid livestock waste” represents a shift toward more precise and inclusive regulatory language. The previous wording emphasized the management system associated with the waste, while the revised terminology focuses on the physical nature of the waste itself. This may help reduce uncertainty for agricultural operators, project developers, and regulators when determining whether a proposed anaerobic digestion project meets eligibility requirements.

The amendment does not introduce new project categories, additional compliance obligations, or changes to the overall offset credit system. Instead, it provides a definitional adjustment designed to support clearer administration of existing rules. Projects must continue to meet the requirements established under the Regulation respecting manure anaerobic digestion projects eligible for the issuance of offset credits to qualify for credits.

Quebec (0009/2026) July 15, 2026
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.