Save the Emissions Cap Here | Sierra Club Canada

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Subject: Emissions cap must match national targets

Dear Prime Minister Trudeau and Cabinet Ministers,

I’m writing in regards to the upcoming release of the framework to place a cap on emissions from the oil & gas sector in Canada. I’m very concerned that the cap will not hold oil and gas companies accountable for their fair share of emissions.

The emissions cap must require the oil and gas industry to reduce its emissions by at least 40-45% by 2030. Anything less is affront to Canadians - the worst polluting sector should not be held to a lower standard than the national goal.

People, such as myself, are being asked to do our part to ensure we meet our climate targets. The Canadian Government must show leadership by ensuring that the oil and gas industry does its fair share as well.

The emissions cap is supported by a majority of Canadians, even in oil and gas producing provinces like Alberta. For two years we have sent you letters, signed petitions, and met with MPs. But we know the difference between a real cap and a toothless policy. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that Canada’s climate commitments are fair and effective.

This was a record-breaking year for wildfires in Canada, with hundreds of thousands of people displaced and homes lost. Studies linked the worsening of North American wildfires to the emissions of oil & gas companies, including major companies in Canada like Cenovus, Conoco Phillips, Suncor, and Repsol, to name a few.

These companies, who are making ridiculous profits, have engaged in relentless lobbying of key federal Ministries, pushing to delay and weaken the emissions cap while cutting jobs. Suncor CEO Rich Kruger testified recently that the company had sold investments in wind and solar energy, walked back action on climate change, and was increasing its investments in fossil fuels. Suncor made 9.1 billion in 2022, and still laid off 1500 workers this year.

Without regulation, it’s evidently clear that Canadian oil and gas companies will put profit before climate, jobs, and the safety of Canadians.

The oil and gas emissions cap must:

Reduce emissions immediately: the oil and gas industry must reduce emissions significantly by 2025 and reduce its emissions by at least 40-45% by 2030.
Ensure tools of compliance, enforceability and accountability are implemented immediately with the cap. There must be no loopholes and strict trading rules to ensure that the oil and gas industry is held accountable for truly capping emissions.
Include all emissions from the production and use of oil and gas. All oil and gas activities and facilities in Canada, including pipelines, refineries and liquefied natural gas export facilities, should be covered by the cap.
Not cave to the oil and gas lobbying efforts. The industry is beholden to shareholders and profit margins. As the government, your responsibility is the people and the planet. Their attempts to undermine this policy are dangerous.
The cap should not undermine Canada’s commitment to phasing out fossil fuel subsidies.

The future of our communities and the planet is at stake — please implement an ambitious and effective emissions cap policy.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Postal Code]