Environment Canada Publishes Proposed Renewable Content Requirements for Diesel Fuel and Heating Oil
May 09, 2011
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. Click to read more…
Updates in Brief, April 2011
May 09, 2011
Click here for some brief updates in the world of climate change policy and sustainability.
EPA Faces GHG Authority Challenges as Budget Cut by 16%
May 05, 2011
April has been tumultuous for US environmental policy observers. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to regulate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions came under fire in the House and the Senate before policymakers scrambled to agree on a budget bill or face a partial government shutdown. Click to read more…
California Regulators Must Further Examine Cap-and-Trade Alternatives
May 04, 2011
California’s Superior Court may have delayed the state’s cap-and-trade implementation by ruling in favour of a lawsuit filed by environmental justice advocates. Click to read more…
EU Brings Airlines into Emission Trading Scheme, International Lawsuit Levelled
May 02, 2011
Starting January 2012 airlines flying into or out of the European Union will begin dealing CO2 permits under the region’s emissions trading scheme (EU ETS). Click to read more…
How is the Environment Faring in Election 2011?
Apr 29, 2011
Canada’s political parties are facing less than a week to wine and dine the electorate with their campaign platforms. Of course the platforms span social & economic issues (and leadership styles), but: how are they adding up so far on environmental issues?
NRTEE Examines Canada-US Climate Policy Harmonization Issues in Climate Prosperity Report
Feb 07, 2011
The report focuses on the important relationship that Canada has with the US and how it affects Canadian climate change policy.
President Obama addresses the US in its “Sputnik moment”
Feb 01, 2011
US President Barack Obama presented the 2011 State of the Union address January 25th drawing attention to the country’s need to kick start innovation in the key biomedical, information technology and clean energy sectors.
Updates in Brief - January 2011
Jan 21, 2011
Click here for some quick updates in the world of climate change!
China taking steps to formal climate policy plan
Jan 14, 2011
The world’s biggest polluter began 2011 with a series of announcements on climate change, signaling its commitment to a carbon intensity reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2020.
Private sector active in Scope 3 reporting standard development
Jan 11, 2011
The World Resources Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WRI/WBCSD) released draft Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standards November 4th.
Canada considers emission standards comparable to US EPA
Jan 06, 2011
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permitting schemes to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Clean Air Act came into effect January 2nd, 2011. The measures centre on required installation of best available emission-control technologies (BACT) for reducing GHGs from new and modified high-emitting industrial facilities subject to the CAA’s Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program (see Delphi’s previous coverage).
New ISO 26000 Guidance Document on Social Responsibility
Jan 04, 2011
On November 1st, 2010 the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published their latest guidance document entitled ISO 26000 – 2010, Guidance on Social Responsibility. The guidance standard “provides harmonized, globally relevant guidance for private and public sector organizations of all types based on international consensus among expert representatives…[to] encourage the implementation of best practice in social responsibility worldwide.”
COP16 ends with Cancun Agreements
Dec 15, 2010
As expected, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) COP16 in Cancun, Mexico ended Dec. 9th without a binding treaty or cementing a Kyoto Protocol extension.
The Delphi Group Writes BC’s Forest Carbon Offset Protocol
Dec 02, 2010
The Delphi Group has finalized the BC Government’s draft protocol for forest-based carbon offsets. This draft Forest Carbon Offset Protocol was published November 24, 2010 by the BC Ministry of the Environment, who are accepting public comment until January 31, 2010.
Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act Passed in Ontario
Nov 26, 2010
Ontario passed the Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act Nov. 23rd,
Lead Up to Cancun
Nov 25, 2010
As the UN’s Framework Convention on Climate Change’s 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) Nov. 29 - Dec. 10 in Cancun nears, observers scrutinizing international action and inaction since COP15 are looking to predict how the event may unfold.
Western Climate Initiative Poised for Kick-Off
Nov 24, 2010
With US midterm results pointing to continued federal stalemate on climate change, climate action in North America is firmly in the Western Climate Initiative’s (WCI) playing field.
Municipalities gaining traction on the road to Cancun
Nov 23, 2010
During the one-day World Mayors Summit , leaders of 138 municipalities developed the Global Cities Covenant on Climate to voluntary reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
Updates in Brief - November 2010
Nov 23, 2010
In this months brief update, the Canadian Senate defeats Bill C-311, The EPA Announces its final rule on mandatore GHG reporting for natural gas systems, and the Chicago Climate Exchange declares it will end CCX’s emission trading market, and more!
The Ebb and Flow of US Elections
Nov 19, 2010
As many predicted, November 2nd election results saw Republicans take over control of the US House of Representatives and weaken Democratic presence in the Senate. The Gold Old Party’s (GOP’s) strong opposition to cap-and-trade means that comprehensive climate legislation in the US is off the table, at least in the near term.
EPA Releases GHG BACT Guidance
Nov 11, 2010
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its PSD and Title V Permitting Guidance For Greenhouse Gases document on November 10th. The document provides guidance to industry as well as to state and local permitting agencies on how to determine best available control technology (BACT) for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from new and modified sources.
Delphi Launches Beta GHG Risk and Compliance Modeling Software Solution
Nov 09, 2010
The Delphi Group today launched a beta version of their GHG Risk & Compliance Modeling software solution.
The GHG Risk & Compliance Modeling tool is a web-based software solution that enables multi-site, multi-jurisdictional organizations to quantify, model and forecast GHG compliance risks and liabilities taking into account operational, regulatory and market changes.
Green Light for AB32, But,
Nov 03, 2010
Voters in California voiced strong support for the state’s climate bill in yesterday’s gubernatorial elections with 61.3% voting against proposition 23 (prop 23). Prop 23 would have suspended the bill until California’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.5 percent or less for four consecutive quarters.
California Releases Draft Cap and Trade Rules
Nov 02, 2010
On October 29th, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) released its proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) cap and trade system regulations. The regulations are a component of the state’s climate change law, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, AB32.
BC looking for public input on emissions trading
Nov 01, 2010
BC is seeking public input on its proposed Emissions Trading Regulation and the Cap and Trade Offsets Regulation, which together would establish the rules of the province’s cap and trade system.
Canadian Securities Administrators Releases Guidance on Environmental Disclosure and Reporting
Oct 29, 2010
On October 27th, 2010, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) published Staff Notice 51-333, Environmental Reporting Guidance to assist reporting issuers in meeting their existing continuous disclosure requirements under securities laws with respect to environmental matters.
Conservatives Defeat Responsible Mining Bill
Oct 28, 2010
In a close vote on October 27th, 2010, the House of Commons narrowly failed to pass Bill C-300, The Responsible Mining Act sponsored by Liberal MP John McKay.
Canada Details Climate Action Pledge
Oct 27, 2010
Canada announced details October 1st on $400 million in new and additional support for international efforts to address climate change. The amount represents Canada’s 2010/2011 fiscal year contributions towards the $30 billion in fast-start financing for the 2010-2012 period outlined in the Copenhagen Accord.
Canada and US Announce Proposals for Medium- & Heavy-Truck Vehicle Emissions Standards
Oct 26, 2010
Echoing the recent announcement of light-duty vehicle emissions standards in the US and Canada, both nations have proposed regulatory frameworks for limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
Delphi provides insight into California’s post-election role in cap-and-trade
Oct 22, 2010
The Delphi Group’s CEO, Mike Gerbis, was quoted in an October 21 story in the Calgary Herald on the challenges facing North American cap-and-trade programs in the face of California’s November 2 midterm election.
As support for California’s Prop. 23 wanes, attention turns to quiet but pivotal Prop. 26
Oct 19, 2010
Voters in California will be faced with particularly significant propositions in the November 2nd election. However, until now attention has been focused on Proposition 23 (prop 23), an application to repeal the state’s climate change legislation until unemployment reaches a low not predicted to be seen for the next five years. However, an additional proposition, prop 26, has received less coverage than prop 23 but holds significant implications for environmental initiatives.
University of Waterloo hosts Sustainable Development seminar on October 14, 2010
Oct 08, 2010
The University of Waterloo, in partnership with Bennett Jones, LLP., are hosting a seminar, Sustainable Development: Value Creation and Due Diligence Protection, to address those difficulties. This seminar addresses both of these challenges by drawing upon the expertise of seasoned financial and legal experts.
Does Public Opinion Support Climate Action?
Oct 01, 2010
With the US Congress mired in climate action gridlock and Canadian action hinging on results of the debate, policy makers and politicians may increasingly seek to gauge public opinion to inform their future climate change response. Ongoing economic turmoil, particularly with elections looming, likely means that strong public support must precede any steps forward on climate policy.
Delphi’s GHG Quantification Guide for Public Transit Projects Published
Sep 29, 2010
Delphi’s GHG Quantification Guide for Public Transit Projects published as part of Alberta’s new Green Transit Incentives Program
Delphi matches $1375 in employee donations to Pakistan Relief Effort
Sep 28, 2010
The Delphi Group matches $1,375 in employee donations towards flood relief efforts in Pakistan.
No U.S. Cap-And-Trade in 2010
Sep 27, 2010
Potential for American climate legislation was dealt another blow in late August when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced he would abandon his proposed climate bill, citing it could not attract the necessary votes to avoid filibuster.
WCI Proposes Matching Canadian Reporting with US Partners
Sep 27, 2010
The Western Climate Initiative (WCI) is proposing amending its July, 2009 Final Essential Requirements for Mandatory Reporting (ERs) for Canadian members.
Is White House support for environmental action buckling?
Sep 07, 2010
The fact that any near-term US federal action on cap-and-trade is pretty much dead is widely acknowledged. However…
Canada’s Coal Play
Aug 30, 2010
The federal government announces its goals to reduce coal use and emissions in Canada.
Failed Legislation in the US Senate could Spur Regional Initiatives
Aug 26, 2010
With comprehensive climate change legislation logjammed in the US Senate, it is increasingly likely that regional initiatives will play a larger role in shaping North America’s climate change policies.
Australian Election could Change its Climate Plans
Aug 24, 2010
Recent Australian elections could significantly change the country’s approach to climate change, as Green members hold the balance of power in the Senate, and gain one member in the Lower House.
Delphi’s Team is Expanding!
Aug 13, 2010
The Delphi Group is looking to grow its team, with two exciting new positions currently available: Manager, Technical Services (Calgary), and a Technical Analyst (Toronto or Ottawa).
US Environmental Protection Agency Settles Lawsuits
Jul 30, 2010
Challenged by industry and environmental organizations alike, the US Environmetnal Protection Agency has settled most lawsuits filed against its Tailoring Rule.
A Proposition, by Any Other Name…
Jul 29, 2010
A ballot question on California’s climate change legislation is being named, and has supporters of the proposition up in arms
Shareholder Resolutions on Climate Increase Again
Jul 27, 2010
Shareholder resolutions calling on companies to integrate climate and emissions plans into their corporate strategies continue to increase.
Ontario Proposes Rules for Offshore Wind
Jul 26, 2010
Legislation is up for comment as Ontario moves to open up areas of water for wind power development.
Comprehensive Climate Legislation Nixed This Session
Jul 23, 2010
Democrats decide to go ahead with legislation relating to the oil spill and efficiency measures, leaving carbon legislation for next session.
Western Climate Initiative Would Slash Emissions and Save $100 Billion
Jul 22, 2010
Implementing cap-and-trade coupled with complementary policies and carbon offsets would acheive 15% emission reductions over 2005 levels by 2020, and save $100 billion between 2012 and 2020.
EPA Regulation Clears Another Hurdle
Jun 22, 2010
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cleared another hurdle last week in advancing on its mandate to regulate GHG emissions.
Canadian Emission Reductions are Likely to be One Tenth Previous Expectations
Jun 21, 2010
Significant revisions to the government’s report illustrating expected GHG reductions show that the government overestimated its expected emissions reductions for 2010 by more than tenfold.
Senate Passes Budget Bill
Jun 17, 2010
The Canadian Senate passed Bill C-9, the Budget Implementation Bill, effectively changing the Environmental Assessments Act.
Bandying About Border Adjustments
May 28, 2010
European and US border adjustment dynamics could impact Canadian exporters.
Climate Change Accountability Act Passed in House of Commons
May 13, 2010
Bill C-311 would legislate Kyoto-level GHG reduction targets by mandating the government to set appropriate emissions regulations.
American Power Act of 2010 Released Today
May 12, 2010
This major climate bill has become the new front-runner in US climate and clean energy legislation, and will likely set the stage for North American cap-and-trade, transportation, energy production and resource use.
Questions Your Board of Director’s Might be Asking You with Regards to Climate Risk
May 11, 2010
Questions for Directors to Ask. A compelling argument as to why Boards should consider climate change in their oversight of a corporation.
Including Emerging Sustainable Development (SD) risks in your Enterprise Risk Management Framework
May 11, 2010
Risks are a constant focus for management, however sustainability risks can remain the most elusive to understand and mitigate.
Offshore Drilling could be a Monkey on the Back of a US Climate Bill
May 06, 2010
Just weeks after US President Barak Obama proposed opening up vast swaths of ocean for offshore drilling, BP’s deepwater rig exploded. As it sunk, so might have the tit-for-tat incentive extended to Republican senators.
Enough Votes Gathered for Plebiscite on California’s Climate Change Bill
May 05, 2010
Members of the California Jobs Initiative and other opponents to California’s 2006 Global Warming Solutions Act have gathered over 800,000 signatures in an effort to stall the Act’s implementation.
The Successful Enterprise of Tomorrow
Apr 28, 2010
Changing social, environmental and economic factors will make corporate success in the decade ahead more challenging and far less certain. One thing is clear; the old rules no longer apply.
What We’re Learning from Europe’s Cap-and-Trade Scheme
Apr 28, 2010
Greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union are falling faster than anyone expected, and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme continues to teach the world about how a carbon market really works.
Petition could Derail California Climate Legislation
Apr 27, 2010
A petition to suspend the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (Assembly Bill 32) is being circulated, potentially derailing the landmark legislation and having a knock-on effect on federal climate plans and international negotiations.
Senator Graham Withdraws Support for Clean Energy Legislation – for now
Apr 26, 2010
The release of clean energy legislation in the US Senate has been delayed because Senator Lindsey Graham withdrew his support at the eleventh hour due to the possible introduction of immigration legislation.
Obama Reaches Out
Apr 23, 2010
In an attempt to gain bipartisan support for wider climate and clean energy legislation, US President Barak Obama has opened up oceans for oil drilling and is supporting the construction of new nuclear facilities by extending government loan guarantees.
ASEAN Releases Climate Change Statement
Apr 22, 2010
The Association of South East Asian Nations urge action to keep temperature rise below 2°C, accelerate technology transfer and financial assistance, and avoid trade disruption from developed countries’ climate change legislation.
Recent Provincial Climate and Energy Actions
Apr 21, 2010
Ontario, BC, and Nova Scotia all included climate change and energy provisions in recent provincial budgets and speeches from the throne.
Climate Policy at Canada’s 150th Birthday
Apr 20, 2010
Over 50 policy experts gathered in Montreal at the end of March to put forth a vision that confronts the challenges facing Canada as it steams towards its 150th birthday in 2017.
The Eyjafjallajökull Volcano and Climate Change
Apr 19, 2010
The spectacular eruption of Iceland’s Eyjafjallajökull Volcano has left Delphi questioning what the impacts on climate change might be.
New Fund Supports Young Environmental Leaders
Mar 25, 2010
Annual Canadian student scholarship program launched by the Delphi Group, Cenovus, the Young Environmental Professionals and the GLOBE Foundation.
WCI Holds Goods Movement Collaborative
Mar 19, 2010
Canadian National Railway and the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) hosted a collaborative meeting with key stakeholders on emissions from freight movement in Vancouver on March 4.
Saskatchewan Re-Introduces Climate Change Legislation
Mar 19, 2010
Saskatchewan re-introduced its climate change legislation in December of 2009.
US Senate May Opt for Sector-Based Approach to Climate Regulation
Mar 18, 2010
Senators Kerry, Graham and Lieberman continue to work on the framework for a bipartisan climate and energy bill.
The Next Ten Years of Corporate Sustainability
Mar 18, 2010
GLOBE-Net (March 15, 2020) - The landscape of corporate sustainability has changed significantly over the last decade…
EPA Releases Draft Final Rules Limiting Emissions from Cars and Light Trucks
Mar 18, 2010
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation submitted their draft final rule on limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cars and light duty vehicles to the White House for review on March 9th.
EU Commission Looks to Keep Climate Negotiations Moving
Mar 18, 2010
The EU’s new Commissioner for Climate Action, Connie Hedegaard, has started an international tour as the European Commission looks to build international consensus on global warming.
Federal Budget Released to Mixed Reviews
Mar 17, 2010
The Federal Government released its budget on March 3rd 2010 and as many suspected, there were no big surprises.
US Securities Exchange Commission Issues New Disclosure Guidelines for Climate Risks
Feb 05, 2010
The SEC released interpretive guidance on existing disclosure requirements as they relate to business or legislative events on the issue of climate change.
Weaker Copenhagen Pledge means 2020 GHG Reduction Target is an Increase over 1990 Levels
Feb 01, 2010
On Saturday, the Canadian government submitted its non-binding GHG reductions target to the United Nations, lowering its greenhouse gas reductions commitment and changing its baseline year.
Meaningful Sustainability Indicators
Jan 28, 2010
Developing meaningful and constructive sustainability indicators is a challenge for even the most progressive organizations.
US Democrats Lose Senate Supermajority
Jan 20, 2010
A crucial Senate seat traditionally held by the Democrats was lost to the Republicans in a special bi-election.
US Senate Vote Could Totally Revamp Climate Legislation
Jan 19, 2010
A head-to-head race for a Massachusetts senate seat is holding health care and climate change legislation in the balance.
Quebec’s Controversial Vehicle Emissions Standards Take Effect Today
Jan 14, 2010
Sweeping new rules governing vehicle emissions take effect today in Quebec.
US Environmental Protection Agency Faces Attacks from Two Sides
Jan 13, 2010
The US EPA is facing criticism on multiple fronts.
Republican Senator Considers Measures to Limit EPA Authority on GHG Regulation
Jan 07, 2010
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) continues efforts initiated last fall to curtail the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to regulate GHGs.
Prorogation will have a Mixed Impact on Canadian Environmental Policy
Jan 07, 2010
Instead of facing members of the opposition between now and March, Environment Minister Jim Prentice will have the opportunity to spend more time with the civil servants in his department.
Tightrope Frays at Copenhagen’s Three-Ringed Circus
Dec 16, 2009
The UN Climate Change negotiations in Copenhagen are starting to look more like a three-ringed circus, and the tightrope on which the negotiators are carefully treading is starting to fray.
Kerry-Graham-Lieberman Bill bridges US House and Senate Climate Bills
Dec 10, 2009
A non-partisan bill currently being drafted by Democratic, Republican, and Independent senators aims to reconcile the proposed House and Senate climate bills.
EPA Ruling could give Obama more leverage at Copenhagen
Dec 09, 2009
On Monday, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ruled with finality that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions endanger public health and safety.
COP15 in Copenhagen Begins
Dec 08, 2009
The 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP15 to the UNFCCC) began in Copenhagen yesterday.
Rich Rewards on the Horizon for Early Actors on Climate Change
Dec 01, 2009
A poll conducted in late November asked Canadians about their feelings towards the government’s actions on climate change, and a strong majority of people from every region are embarrassed about Canada’s inaction on climate change.
Why N.S. Extended its Renewable Energy Deadline
Nov 12, 2009
Independent power producers in Nova Scotia got some wind back in their sails with an October 9th announcement from the NS Department of Energy.
Environment Minister Changes Tack, Will Sail to Copenhagen Without a Map
Nov 11, 2009
G20 Punts Responsibility for Fossil Fuel Subsidy Phase-Out
Nov 10, 2009
Group looks to the IEA, OPEC, OECD, and World Bank for guidance
Boxer-Kerry Climate Bill Passed, Despite GOP Boycott
Nov 06, 2009
Senate vote brings US climate legislation one step closer to reality.
Will Industry Beg to be Regulated?
Oct 14, 2009
The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled on Sept. 21st that power companies can be sued based on injuries caused by climate change. Recently, eight US states, the City of New York, and three non-profit land trusts sued six power companies.
Policy on Carbon Capture and Storage Advances
Oct 14, 2009
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology continues to be broadly supported at the political and industrial level.
A Green FIT for Ontario
Oct 14, 2009
Under the aegis of the Green Energy Act, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) formally launched the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program in late September.
The G20 Bloviates while Independent International Policy Advances
Oct 14, 2009
The world’s most powerful leaders lectured about the pressing need to address climate change, encourage a green economic recovery, and expedite financial flows to developing countries at the G20 summit in Pittsburgh. But real action on most environmental fronts was substantially absent from their final communiqués.
Update from Asia
Sep 17, 2009
Climate change and greenhouse gas reductions were prominently featured in Asia’s two largest economies in August.
Against Waxman-Markey: Legitimate Opposition or Self-Interested Lobbying?
Sep 09, 2009
Without doubt, the US American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) – also known as the Waxman-Markey bill – is a massive piece of legislation. At over 1400 pages, the bill is not only a huge document but if it does eventually become law it will have enormous and far reaching impacts on both the US and global economy.
