Statement by Aly Hyder Ali, Oil and Gas Program Manager, Environmental Defence
Ottawa | Traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People – Canada’s updated methane regulations are a welcome step forward, but they still fall short of what is needed and what is possible. Methane reduction is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to cut emissions, and because methane is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the near term, strong methane rules are essential to reducing Canada’s contributions to the climate crisis. These updated regulations are long-awaited, yet, they do not seize the full opportunity methane reductions offer.
The federal targets lag behind both technical feasibility and industry commitments. Major oil and gas companies operating in Canada have already pledged to achieve near-zero methane emissions by 2030, yet the proposed rules do not reflect that level of ambition. Furthermore, these rules will not come into effect until 2028, although the technology to reduce methane emissions is already readily available.
These regulations also allow operators to develop their own methods of controlling methane emissions without clear, enforceable standards. This risks undermining the regulatory certainty that would be otherwise achieved and further weakens Canada’s climate credibility.
The recently signed memorandum of understanding between the federal government and Alberta raises serious concerns about delay and weakened ambition. By pushing the timeline for compliance for Alberta from 2030 to 2035, the MOU risks postponing action, which could allow an additional 1.9 million tonnes of methane to enter the atmosphere, undermining climate progress at a critical moment. Strong national methane standards must remain the floor, not the ceiling, if regulations are to deliver real emissions reductions.
If strengthened, these updated methane regulations could deliver both climate and economic benefits to Canadians. However, governments in Canada must not subsidize wealthy oil and gas companies to comply with these regulations. At a time when Canadians are facing rising costs, profitable fossil fuel companies should be responsible for addressing their own pollution.
ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.
– 30 –
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:
Tamara Latinovic, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca
