Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Canada's Minister Of Natural Resources Highlights Clean Energy And Energy Efficiency

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

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.

SOURCE: Natural Resources Canada

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