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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce changes to the Air Pollution Control Regulations that will help reduce air pollution and improve air quality in our province. Government is committed to enhancing air quality and protecting human and environmental health. Mr. Speaker, strengthening our Air Pollution Control Regulations to meet a higher environmental standard demonstrates that commitment. The new regulations include a two per cent annual limit on sulphur content in heavy fuel used in the province and a provincial sulphur dioxide emissions cap of 60,000 tonnes per year. These new standards address some of our major sources of air pollution in the province and will result in a 20 per cent decrease in local sulphur dioxide emissions from 2000 levels. The sulphur dioxide emissions cap and limit on sulphur content in heavy fuel come into effect January 1, 2005. Mr. Speaker, companies that release more than 20 tonnes of sulphur dioxide a year must prepare an annual report for government outlining fuel usage, fuel sulphur content and sulphur dioxide emissions. All companies must follow the same environmental standards, Mr. Speaker, and provisions have been made for penalties for non-compliance. The regulations were developed in consultation with industry and government anticipates full compliance. Government is committed to improving standards under which industries operate as we move forward in our efforts to protect and ensure a clean environment. As a result of changes to our Air Pollution Control Regulations there will be less industrial emissions released into the atmosphere, thus reducing pollution. Mr. Speaker, there are also new standards for incineration, including a ban on open burning of such items as tires, plastics and treated lumber. The ban on burning, other than at a licensed facility is effective immediately. The ban will extend to all waste disposal sites in 2005. Changes to the regulations also give government the authorization to establish vehicle emissions standards. Mr. Speaker, many provinces are moving toward some form of mandatory testing for vehicle emissions and our new regulations will allow us to introduce vehicle emissions standards in the future. Mr. Speaker, improving our Air Pollution Control Regulations is in line with government�s Blue Book commitment to a healthy environment and achieving a high quality of life for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Government will continue to take action to address air quality in the province and demonstrate its overall commitment to protecting and enhancing the environment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. |
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