Canada - United States Border Air Quality Strategy
In January 2003, the Government of Canada, led by Environment Canada but in cooperation with other departments such as Health Canada, began working to develop a Border Air Quality Strategy with the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States to identify appropriate pilot projects to address transboundary air pollution of concern and to continue on the path to reduce transborder air pollution.
On June 23, 2003, three major pilot projects were announced by the U.S. Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Canadian Minister of the Environment. The projects will help pave the way for future reductions in smog and improve health in both countries. The projects, as developed under the Border Air Quality Strategy, include:
Great Lakes Basin Airshed Management Framework
The Great Lakes Basin Airshed Management Framework pilot project explores the feasibility of a coordinated airshed management approach in the Southwest Ontario/Southeast Michigan region. This pilot project aims to investigate opportunities of greater cross border cooperation that could improve air quality in the area, with a focus on ground level ozone and particulate matter (PM). Please click here for more information on this pilot project.
To review the pilot project report visit Great Lakes Basin Airshed Management Framework Pilot Project (PDF version)
Georgia Basin-Puget Sound International Airshed
The Georgia Basin-Puget Sound International Airshed pilot project addresses regional air quality issues in this transboundary airshed of British Columbia and Washington State. For more information please visit the Georgia Basin/ Puget Sound International Airshed Strategy and Inventory of Air Quality Practices website.
- To review the pilot project report visit Maintaining Air Quality in a Transboundary Air Basin: Georgia Basin-Puget Sound
Emission Trading Feasibility Study
The Emission Trading Feasibility Study explores the feasibility of Canada- U.S. cross border cap and trade for emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, the pollutants that contribute to smog and acid rain. The study is based on cap and trade programs of these pollutants in the United States and builds on the commitment made under the Ozone Annex to the Canada-United States Air Quality Agreement, signed in 2000, to explore emissions trading.
For more information please visit, Emissions Trading Feasibility Study.
