Response Plans and Programs
Response plans and programs are documents that provide a menu of actions that a jurisdiction plans to use to reduce emissions. They may be a response to commitments in an air management agreement requiring that response plans be developed (e.g. implementation plans for Canada-wide Standards for Particulate Matter and Ozone). They may also simply be a response to a recognized air pollution problem (e.g. 1990 CCME NOx/VOC Management Plan).
What is the legislative basis for response plans and programs?
Response plans and programs usually need no legislative basis. They are typically a series of measures and initiatives that a jurisdiction has selected to use to meet some air emission reduction goal or target. But the individual measures and initiatives identified in a response plan and program may require the use of legislation. Response plans and programs also usually contain a schedule identifying the sequencing and timing for measures and initiatives to be developed.
How are response plans and programs developed?
Response plans and programs are typically developed through a multi-stakeholder consultation process with input from interested parties. A proposed list of measures and initiatives to be included in the plan may be initially prepared by the jurisdiction, often drawing upon progressive measures that have been implemented by some other jurisdiction (e.g. another province, another country).
This list of proposed measures, often accompanied by estimates of emission reduction potential and costs, is then shared with stakeholders through multi-stakeholder consultation workshops or other form of consultation. The plan may undergo several revisions before it is finalized and published by a jurisdiction. Response plans and programs may require Cabinet approval by the government in question.
What's in response plans and programs?
Response plans and programs usually contain a list and a description of the measures and initiatives a jurisdiction plans to use over a specified time period. This may include specifying the exact form of the instrument to be developed, and the timeframe for its development and implementation. There are numerous possible forms that an emission reduction instrument can take such as regulation, pollution prevention plan, code of practice, memorandum of understanding, etc.
Response plans and programs often contain features that are not emission reduction initiatives. These can include:
- Scientific analysis to better understand the effectiveness of instruments in improving air quality
- Studies of the feasibility and cost of additional potential emission reduction measures that may be considered in the future
- Provisions for review of the adequacy of the plan and for progress reporting.
How are response plans and programs implemented?
Response plans and programs are implemented through developing and implementing each of the specific initiatives and instruments identified in the plan and program. A lead branch of government and person is often identified to coordinate the development of a measure or instrument. A development and consultation process and a budget are established for the measure or instrument.
The development process for an emission reduction instrument may involve considerable additional scientific, technical and cost analysis for different optional emission reduction levels. A number of consultation drafts are often required before a jurisdiction decides on the level of control to be specified in the instrument. Each instrument is eventually approved and published by the jurisdiction.
The way the instrument is implemented after it has been finalized and published depends on the nature of the instrument. If it is a regulation it is a legally binding commitment on an emitting source or sector with an enforcement process and penalties for non-compliance. If it is a code or guideline, implementation may be by the voluntary adoption of the instrument by other jurisdictions (e.g. CCME codes and guidelines). If it is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between government and an industry sector, implementation may be through regular reporting by the sector on progress in implementing the actions it has committed to.
How is implementation of response plans and programs monitored and reported on?
What's in progress report, how often it's published and who sees it is often specified in the response plan and program. Most progress reports are made available to the public to help ensure openness and public accountability. Progress reports usually summarize the status of implementation of the measures and initiatives contained in the plan and program. They may also contain information on emission levels, emission reductions achieved, ambient levels and trends and updates on health and environmental science related to the air issue being addressed.
