Natural Resources Canada
2006/38
October 27, 2006

Clean Air Act: Minister Lunn Highlights Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

OTTAWA —The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, put clean energy in the spotlight at the 7^th Annual Forum on Hydropower on Thursday and at the opening reception for the Business of Climate Change Conference on Tuesday.

Minister Lunn stressed the need for continued development in clean, renewable-energy sources and outlined actions the Government is taking in its proposed Clean Air Act to toughen regulations for energy-efficiency levels in Canada and to amend the Energy Efficiency Act.

Addressing the Forum on Hydropower, Minister Lunn noted that action on regulatory efficiency is essential to Canada’s continued development of clean-energy production. 

“It is important to create a level playing field that allows industry to invest in cleaner energy and reduce emissions while continuing to help our economy grow and maintaining competitiveness,” said Minister Lunn.  “Canada’s Clean Air Act replaces the current ad hoc regulatory system with clear and comprehensive national standards, so that we can achieve real results for Canadians.”

Earlier in the week, speaking to Parliamentary colleagues as well as leaders from business, industry and environmental organizations, Minister Lunn explained how boosting energy efficiency is an effective way to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Government’s proposed new regulatory requirements will affect the energy efficiency of 30 products, such as traffic signals, battery chargers and commercial clothes washers. Minimum energy-performance standards will then cover 80 percent of the energy used in homes and in businesses. Product labelling associated with the regulations helps Canadians choose the most energy-efficient products.

"I have said many times that the largest source of untapped energy is the energy we waste,” said Minister Lunn. “Thanks to our proposed amendments to the Energy Efficiency Act announced last week, Canada will remain a world leader in the number of products that are regulated for energy efficiency.”
The new proposed energy-efficiency standards will have an impact that is equivalent to eliminating the energy use of all households in a city the size of Windsor, Ontario.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Minister of Natural Resources Gary Lunn recently put the spotlight on clean energy for Canada. He outlined actions the Government is taking in its proposed Clean Air Act to toughen regulations for energy-efficiency levels and to amend the Energy Efficiency act.

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The following media backgrounder is also available:

1. The Clean Air Regulatory Agenda — Strengthening Energy Efficienicy Standards

NRCan’s news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.