Québec announces target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% below 1990 levels by 2020
Alix d'Anglejan-Chatillon and Jason Streicher
On November 23, 2009, Québec's Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks announced Québec's target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 20% below 1990 levels by the year 2020. The Minister elaborated that "the reduction target will show flexibility from one economic activity sector to another in accordance with the reduction potential of each, international competitiveness, available technology and required transition measures."
In order to achieve the announced reduction target, the Minister suggested that Québec will make major investments in mass transit and will establish means to encourage the increased use of intermodal transportation of goods. This initiative is in addition to the previously announced introduction of a GHG emission standard for light-duty vehicles, equivalent to the California standard, and investments to encourage the use and development of Québec's expertise in the electric vehicles sector. Lastly, the Québec government has stated that in order to achieve its reduction target, a GHG cap and trade system will need to be implemented in 2012 and, to this end, Québec expects to participate in establishing the largest GHG cap and trade system in North America in conjunction with its partners in the Western Climate Initiative.
