The Provincial and Federal Government came to an agreement on Monday, to give credit where it is due.

“This agreement is good news for Saskatchewan’s environment and the provincial economy,” Environment Minister Scott Moe said.  “We can proceed with our aggressive plan to move to 50 per cent renewable energy generation capacity by 2030, cutting emissions by 40 per cent over 2005 levels.  Saskatchewan can also continue to use coal in a responsible manner beyond 2030 as long as equivalent emission reduction outcomes are achieved.”

The Federal Government announced on November 21 the plan to completely eliminate coal fired electricity by 2030. The plan would allow a expedited transition from traditional coal fired electricity to clean energy.

The agreement reached by the Federal and Provincial government will recognize the steps Saskatchewan has already invested into being environmentally responsible in our coal fired electricity. This equivalency agreement allows the province to meet or improve upon federal emission requirements over time on a electricity system-wide basis, as opposed to regulation of every coal-fired plant.

“I’m very pleased to work with the province of Saskatchewan toward an equivalency agreement that makes sense for them and that considers the innovative steps they’re taking toward renewable electricity and lower emissions electricity sources,” said Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna.  “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with all provinces and territories to find ambitious solutions to climate change as we set ourselves on a sustainable and prosperous path for the future.”

The agreement also acknowledges that the province has introduced CCS “in advance of, and beyond regulatory requirements” and has a significant public commitment to renewable energy.

Under section 10 of Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the federal Minister may enter into an equivalency agreement with provinces and territories provided that the provincial approach delivers equivalent or better outcomes than federal regulations.

“This agreement allows all of us to recognize our investment in renewable energy, now and into the future, as well as our investment in Carbon Capture and Storage facilities.” says Moe.