Environment Canada published proposed Regulations Amending the Renewable Fuels Regulations to set July 1, 2011 for when the 2% renewable content requirements for diesel fuel and heating distillate oil will come into force. Environment Minister Peter Kent confirmed that the 2% requirement reflects technically feasible expectations for Canadian fuel use.
The 2% requirement for diesel and heating oil will complement greenhouse gas reductions achieved from the 5% renewable requirement for gasoline that is also in the Regulations. Environment Canada estimates a 1 Mt-CO2e/year reduction due to the diesel and heating oil adjustments alone, providing approximately $10 billion in benefits over the next 25 years.
Renewable diesel, which will apply toward the 2% minimum, may be made from renewable materials like vegetable oil, waste cooking oil, fish oil, animal fat or agriculture and forest biomass cellulosic feedstocks.
The public comment period on the proposed amendments closed April 3, 2011 and results are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette.
By Cheryl Johnson, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
