US climate rules, California and Ontario's cap and trade plan
Canada has done so little for so long that our climate policy has laid us wide open to serious protectionist provisions in the 1500 page ACES, HR 2454.
Continue reading the post titled US climate rules, California and Ontario's cap and trade planRenewable energy approvals proposal- changes needed
The proposed mandatory setbacks for wind turbines will block a high percentage of planned wind projects, and especially those close to load. This will increase the need for long-distance transmission lines, which have significant environmental footprints.
Continue reading the post titled Renewable energy approvals proposal- changes neededUS- Great leap forward on climate change
In the last few days, the US government has taken two of the critical steps towards serious action on climate change that the Bush administration fought off for eight years.
Continue reading the post titled US- Great leap forward on climate changeRelying on reliance letters
Reliance letters may give the holder no practical remedy if an engineer's report turns out to be negligent.
Continue reading the post titled Relying on reliance lettersScorecard of North American pollution
5.5 billion kilograms of toxic pollutant releases and transfers were reported in 2005. Canadian and US petroleum refineries and bulk storage terminals, alone, release about 7 million kilograms of carcinogens and developmental or reproductive toxicants every year.
Continue reading the post titled Scorecard of North American pollutionInfrastructure P3 builders liable for nuisance
Similar facts could easily arise on many other infrastructure projects across Canada; there is almost always a more expensive alternative that would reduce disruption for nearby residents and businesses. And governments rarely select that alternative.
Continue reading the post titled Infrastructure P3 builders liable for nuisanceNot every spill is an offence
The Ontario Court of Justice has acquitted a company that spilled caustic soda on a road, on the grounds that the spill did not cause an adverse effect.
Continue reading the post titled Not every spill is an offenceSlow Death by Rubber Duck
People rapidly absorb toxic chemicals from even two days’ exposure to typical consumer products, and governments don't protect us.
Continue reading the post titled Slow Death by Rubber DuckNew Approach to Air Reg. 419/05
Ontario hopes to reduce its transaction costs (and, perhaps, to avoid a court challenge to its O.Reg. 419/05) by grouping more than one facility within a sector, and by offering some sectors the option to use technology-based standards instead of points of impingement.
Continue reading the post titled New Approach to Air Reg. 419/05Federal carbon offset system, 2.0
This week, the Conservatives announced a summary of their own carbon offset system and promised more detailed rules in the fall. They look a lot like the ones we almost had in 2005.
Continue reading the post titled Federal carbon offset system, 2.0