Discussion paper: Developing a modern renewable fuel standard for gasoline in Ontario

ERO number
012-7923
Notice type
Policy
Posted by
Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change
Transferred to
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Notice stage
Decision
Decision posted
Comment period
January 11, 2017 - March 12, 2017 (60 days) Closed
Last updated

This consultation was open from:
January 11, 2017
to March 12, 2017

Decision summary

After hearing from stakeholders and considering the impact of the proposed federal Clean Fuel Standard, we are proposing to amend existing renewable fuel regulations to reduce greenhouse gases in the transportation sector, drive innovation and fight climate change.

Decision details

Decision of policy

The Ministry is proposing to amend existing renewable fuel regulations to increase ethanol blending requirements, improve the environmental performance of fuels, and recognize emerging clean fuel technologies. The ministry is also exploring options to support biofuel production and innovation through a Blenders Support Program (BSP) including potential funding of up to $155 million for fuel refiners to make infrastructure upgrades to support the long-term use of biocrude and other program opportunities for further GHG reductions from fuels in the transportation sector.

Comment(s) received on the proposal: 42

Public Consultation on the proposal for this decision was provided for 60 Days, from January 11, 2017 to March 12, 2017.

As a result of public consultation on the proposal, the Ministry received a total of 42 comments: 34 comments were received in writing and 8 were received online.

Additionally, a copy of all comments are available for public viewing by contacting the Contact person listed in this notice.

Comments received

Through the registry

8

By email

0

By mail

34
View comments submitted through the registry

Effects of consultation

Consultations on the discussion paper were held on the Environmental and Regulatory registries from January 11th to March 12th, 2017 and meetings were held with key stakeholders.

Based on consultation feedback received from key stakeholders regarding the potential for overlap and duplication between a modern renewable fuel standard for gasoline in Ontario and the developing federal Clean Fuels Standard (CFS), the ministry recognizes that the CFS could contribute to Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan commitment to reduce GHG emissions from gasoline. As a first step, the Ministry is proposing to amend existing renewable fuel regulations to increase ethanol blending requirements, improve the environmental performance of fuels, and recognize emerging clean fuel technologies.

On November 25, 2016, the government of Canada announced that it would consult to develop a Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions through the increased use of lower carbon fuels and alternative technologies. Federal consultations on the CFS are currently ongoing. The Ministry will continue to engage the federal government and monitor progress and impacts on Ontario when considering any additional measures to increase the use and availability of low carbon fuels in Ontario.

Supporting materials

View materials in person

Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.

Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.

Connect with us

Contact

Rebecca Tan

Phone number
Email address
Office
Air Policy Instruments and Programs Design Branch
Address

77 Wellesley Street West
Ferguson Block, 10th floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 2T5
Canada

Office phone number

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Original proposal

ERO number
012-7923
Notice type
Policy
Posted by
Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change
Proposal posted

Comment period

January 11, 2017 - March 12, 2017 (60 days)

Proposal details

Description of policy

To combat climate change, Ontario has committed to reduce greenhouse gases by 15% by 2020, 37% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, relative to the 1990 level. These goals are legislated in the new Climate Change Mitigation and Low-Carbon Economy Act.

To help achieve our targets and transition to a low carbon economy, Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan commits to implementing a Renewable Fuel Standard for gasoline, which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from gasoline by 5% by 2020.

The proposed Renewable Fuel Standard for gasoline is a key initiative for the government to reduce greenhouse gases in the transportation sector, combatting climate change while driving innovation in renewable fuels.

For clarity, Ontario will not lower the level of existing renewable content required under its Ethanol in Gasoline regulation and existing requirements under its Greener Diesel regulation will remain unchanged and in effect.

As the first step in introducing a Renewable Fuel Standard for gasoline in Ontario, the province has issued a discussion paper.

Purpose of policy

Ontario is seeking comments on the design options under consideration for the proposed Renewable Fuel Standard for gasoline, as outlined in the discussion paper.

Input is being sought on various elements of the program design including targets and blending requirements, flexibility mechanisms, assessing lifecycle emissions, and transparency. Feedback will inform the development of a regulatory proposal for a Renewable Fuel Standard for gasoline.

Public consultation

This proposal was posted for a 60 day public review and comment period starting January 11, 2017. Comments were to be received by March 12, 2017.

All comments received during the comment period are being considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry.

Please Note: All comments and submissions received have become part of the public record.

Other public consultation opportunities

Comments may also be submitted via e-mail to Rebecca.Tan@Ontario.ca.

Supporting materials

View materials in person

Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.

Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.

Comment

Commenting is now closed.

This consultation was open from January 11, 2017
to March 12, 2017

Connect with us

Contact

Rebecca Tan

Phone number
Email address
Office
Air Policy Instruments and Programs Design Branch
Address

77 Wellesley Street West
Ferguson Block, 10th floor
Toronto, ON
M7A 2T5
Canada

Office phone number