Consultation on Framework for an Oil and Gas Sector Emissions Cap

Submission to the Canadian Regulatory Framework for an Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap Consultation

There is little question that we are currently in a Climate Crisis. In Canada, we see fires that overtake our forests every summer, the floods and droughts, and melting glaciers and permafrost, all of which can and have damaged our non-fossil-fuel natural resources and communities. As a northern nation full of natural resources, this affects us more than most. We have a moral obligation to protect the earth, especially as Christians, who are to be stewards of God’s creation, caring for the earth, not destroying it.

As the largest contributor to Canadian emissions and the area with the least compliance and the largest budget available to pay their way out of responsibility, it is important to establish a strong legal framework specific to oil and gas companies. Oil and gas companies produce nearly a third of Canadian GHG emissions, and while Canada has been working to decrease annual GHG emissions, and have had minor successes in that, the oil and gas industry have increased their emissions. The oil and gas industry must be legally restrained if Canada is to make any progress towards our goals. Though the Canadian government has proposed such framework, their proposal is inadequate. We require a timely emissions cap, with improved targets. It must be enforceable and loophole-free, and focus on communities and individuals, not profit.

This consultation was prepared in response to the proposed Regulatory Framework for an Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap and was submitted to the Canadian Government for consideration on February 5^th, 2024. Photo credit Erik Mclean on Unsplash.