Canada's Renewable Fuels Association Welcomes Alberta Climate Leadership Plan

OTTAWA, ON--(Marketwired - November 25, 2015) - The Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) applauds the Government of Alberta, Premier Rachel Notley and Environment Minister Shannon Phillips on the introduction of the Alberta Climate Leadership Plan.

Based on advice from Alberta's Climate Change Advisory Panel, which solicited comments from Albertans and stakeholder groups, the plan introduces a price on carbon to incentivize greenhouse gas reductions. Alberta will phase in a $20/tonne economy wide price on carbon in January 2017, and a $30/tonne price in January 2018.

"CRFA supports initiatives and programs that maximize the economic value of renewable fuels products by monetizing carbon emissions," said CRFA Chair Jim Grey. "By its very nature, the renewable fuels industry significantly contributes to the reduction of GHGs -- and we are pleased with Alberta's leadership plan to transition the province to a low carbon economy."

"Addressing climate change requires industry, government and citizens to use resources more efficiently and utilize more sustainable practices and clean technologies," said Mr. Grey. "Governments around the world will also soon be leaving the Paris Climate Change Conference (COP21) with aggressive greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. It is a highly complex issue with no easy solution, but focusing on the largest greenhouse gas emitting sectors such as transportation can yield immediate results."

Biofuels are part of the solution. "If you look at our facilities in isolation, we emit CO2 because we burn natural gas as an energy source," said Mr. Grey. "However, on a life cycle basis, our products blended into the national fuel mix reduce carbon emissions by 4.2 megatonnes every year -- the equivalent of nearly one million cars from our roads."

More can be done to take advantage of biofuels' GHG emission reduction benefits. CRFA and its members are committed to working with the Government of Alberta, the other provincial governments and the Government of Canada to further reduce emissions. Shifting to clean burning biofuels ensures energy needs are met, protects the environment and contributes to the economy.

About the CRFA

Founded in 1984, the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association (CRFA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote the use of value added products made from renewable resources through consumer awareness and government liaison activities.