EMISSIONS STANDARDS

Canada joins forces with California

As the U.S. moves to weaken vehicle emissions standards, Canada has opted to join California in maintaining stronger vehicle emissions standards. 

The original standards, designed by the Obama administration and adopted by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper—were a no-brainer, requiring automakers to build increasingly clean, efficient vehicles. However with President Trump opting to roll them back, Canada, along with 13 other U.S. have joined forces to maintain the stronger standards.

As a result, jurisdictions wishing to keep the rules in place now represent a majority of the U.S.-Canada market. It's the right move for emissions and—because it will mean more fuel efficient cars—is also the right move for Canadian's wallets. 

Victory for carbon pricing in Ontario

Last week saw an important victory in the fight against climate change. The Ontario court of appeal has ruled that Ottawa's carbon price is legal in Ontario. This is a big step forward, not only because it reinforces the legality of carbon pricing (as was found in Saskatchewan in May), but it because it means the federal government can ensure minimum standards for cutting pollution across the country. With four out of five judges ruling in favour of the federal government, it could not be clearer that fighting climate change is more important than fighting each other.

Catching the electric bus

This is a great example of how investing in the clean energy sector can reap rewards. Chinese electric bus manufacturer BYD is opening an electric bus assembly plant in Newmarket ON, which will employ 40 people (and is expected to grow). Only last year, the manufacturer announced it was putting its plans for the facility on hold until it saw a "business case." Now as transit authorities (like Toronto's Transit Commission) get on board with electric buses... Hey Presto! A business case. 

A military response

As the effects of climate climate change tighten their grip on Canada's resources, the military are the latest to admit they're feeling the strain. One of Canada's top military commanders has said "Canada's Armed Forces are being pushed to the limit" as they battle with record floods and wildfires.Yet another consequence of climate inaction.

The face of climate change in Canada

The last couple of weeks has seen two more excellent pieces from the Star's series on climate change. Why not finish off the long weekend by reading about how Saskatchewan's farmers are are adapting to climate change, and how rising sea levels are washing away a priceless archeological site on Labrador. 

CER is taking a vacation (sort of)

You might have noticed CER is shorter this week—it's not because there's a shortage of news (far from it). Between Canada Day and Labour Day the Clean Energy Review is taking a bit of a summer vacation, meaning you'll receive a slightly shorter version of all the exciting clean energy news. 

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