Saskatchewan re-introduced its climate change legislation in December of 2009. A December news release signaled the province’s intention to revise its 2020 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction target from a decrease of 32% below 2004 levels by 2020, to a reduction of 20% below 2006 levels by 2020. However these targets are not included in the province’s Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act, also tabled in December of 2009. The intent of the revised targets was to harmonize with federal policy, and exclusion of the targets from the bill allows for flexibility in harmonizing with federal policy as it unfolds. Given that federal targets were revised in January to 17% below 2005 levels, further changes to Saskatchewan’s 2020 target appear likely.

The Management and Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Act allows for the regulation of GHGs from as-of-yet unspecified sectors. The program will set a cap on emissions, and will permit the use of offsets and technology fund contributions towards compliance, but will not allow for carbon trading. The Office of Climate Change will be responsible for preparing, coordinating and implementing Saskatchewan’s climate initiatives including the regulation of major emitters and the establishment of registries and protocols for offsets.

Emissions reductions resulting from the regulation of GHGs will be supported by a range of complementary regulations and programs, such as: performance agreements with large emitters to reduce GHG emissions beyond the scope of regulated activities and with non-regulated emitters in the agriculture, transportation and commercial and residential building sectors; investments in low carbon technologies; and the province’s Go Green Saskatchewan program. Climate change adaptation measures are also being developed by the Ministry of the Environment.

By Eva Berton, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)