CAPP proposes new plan to achieve Alberta emission targets

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) has made a list of recommendations outlining a less stringent approach to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas in Alberta.

The development is in response to the Government of Alberta’s plan to achieve a 45% reduction in methane emissions in the region by 2025 from 2014 levels under its Climate Leadership Plan.

Based on analysis findings, the industry body noted that adoption of its plan will enable the protection of 7,000 jobs, while striking a balance between environmental and economic priorities.

As part of its recommendations, the CAPP called for the creation of an approach that allows increased use of innovation and technology.

CAPP president and CEO Tim McMillan said: “We have a solution that positions Alberta as a global leader on methane emissions reductions, while maintaining a strong economy at home.

“The world-class regulatory standards of our province and industry’s innovative technologies help define Canada’s leadership position.

“Any approach to methane reduction will have impacts and won’t be easy but we owe it to our employees and communities to find the most efficient model that will limit the impact on jobs and the economy.”

Another recommendation put forward by the CAPP is the implementation of risk-based cost-effective methods in an effort to decrease venting and detecting leaks at a faster rate.

The industry body also proposed improvements at new operating sites on an ongoing basis, and are adopting a fleet average approach to achieve reduction targets.

The solution is estimated to cost the oil and natural gas industry $700m over a period of eight years.