'Renewables' now required in diesel fuel, heating oil
By Contributor
Diesel fuel and heating oil will now require two per cent renewable content, the federal government announced this week in Saskatoon.
Canada’s Environment Minister Peter Kent said the requirement will strengthen the market for renewable fuels, meaning an increased demand for feed stocks like canola, ensuring a stronger bottom line for farmers.
The regulatory amendment to the Renewable Fuels Regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in the coming weeks.
The coming-into-force date for the requirement is July 1. A non official, pre-published version of the regulations is available at http://www.ec.gc.ca/energie-energy/default.asp?lang=En&n=0AA71ED2-1.
A permanent exemption is being provided for renewable content in diesel fuel and heating distillate oil sold in Newfoundland and Labrador to address the logistical challenges of blending biodiesel in the region.
Temporary exemptions for renewable content in diesel fuel and heating distillate oil sold in Quebec and all Atlantic Provinces are being provided until December 31, 2012. This 18-month period will allow eastern refiners time to install biodiesel blending infrastructure.
“This is an important initiative in support of our commitment to reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent from 2005 levels by 2020,” said Kent.
