COMMENTARY — Coal sector rises to government’s challenge

Collaboration, rather than compulsion, is the way to go in limiting greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, contends the Coal Association of Canada (CAC).

Donald Downing, president of the association, says a memorandum of understanding, signed late last year by the federal government, is an indication of the coal industry’s determination to show continued leadership in an area of environmental concern.

The document commits Canada’s coal producers and consumers to work with Natural Resources Canada in finding ways to reduce emissions and monitor results on a voluntary basis.

Downing says the coal industry greatly prefers the flexibility of voluntary control and reporting, rather than the less co-operative approach of regulation or taxation. Both government and the CAC have agreed on targets, if not methods, for reducing emissions.

“By increasing the efficiency of operations and decreasing the energy consumption in a manner that improves competitiveness, there will be a corresponding reduction in the rates of emission,” he explains.

Anne McLellan, federal minister of natural resources, calls the government-industry agreement for a voluntary program “a meaningful and substantive way to make progress in addressing climate change.” There is considerable uncertainty among informed observers about the seriousness of threatened environmental damage from gas emissions. Therefore, Downing says, the best approach to follow is one of co-operation in setting objectives and voluntary participation by industry.

The CAC is urging its members to report technological improvements that reduce emissions. Coal companies and electricity-generating firms are being asked to review their operations for efficiency and environmental impact.

Both industry and government are determined to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2000, to the effect that rates will be equivalent to those recorded in 1990.

CAC says it will serve “as a willing partner in collaborative efforts that ensure industry growth and support development that is sustainable.

“Sound economics and cost effectiveness are essential principles in guiding the actions of coal industry members.”

— From an article in “Canadian Coal 1996,” a publication of the Coal Association of Canada.