Canada’s renewable fuels mandate takes effect

15 December 2010 19:00  [Source: ICIS news]

TORONTO (ICIS)--Canada’s federal renewable fuels mandate, requiring 5% renewable fuel content in gasoline, came into effect on Wednesday, the country’s environment ministry said.

"This federal 5% requirement is estimated to result in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of one megatonne per year over and above the reductions attributable to existing provincial requirements - the equivalent of taking a quarter million vehicles off the road," said environment minister John Baird.

Most Canadian provinces, including Ontario, already have provincial renewable fuel rules in place.

Baird said that the federal mandate was a key initiative in support of Canada's commitment to reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions by 17% from 2005 levels by 2020.

Industry trade group Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) said the federal mandate would add some 2bn litres/year of renewable fuels to the Canadian gasoline pool.

“With the renewable fuel standard coming into effect, Canada is now positioned to become a world leader in advanced biofuels,” said CRFA president Gordon Quaiattini.

“The production and the commercialisation of next-generation, advanced biofuels using state-of-the-art technologies and a wide variety of feedstocks is underway,” he said.

The environment ministry added that it also had finalised new regulations on vehicle tailpipe emissions regulations that were aligned with those of the US.

In October, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the sale of 15% ethanol fuel blends (E-15), and Germany approved E-10 for sale at the pumps next year.

Further information on Canada’s renewable fuel regulation is available on the Canada Gazette website, a government publication on laws and regulations.

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