Air Quality

Pembina reacts to Bill 18

New Act is intended to ensure independent environmental monitoring

EDMONTON — Andrew Read, technical and policy analyst at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the introduction of Bill 18 today in the Alberta Legislature. Read More

Grants in Gear

Deadline: 
6 May 2016

Environmental Projects to be awarded up to $100,000 through Grants in Gear Program

The Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) has partnered with Scout Environmental (formerly Summerhill Impact)  to offer granting initiative, Grants in Gear, for a third year. The nation-wide program will provide funding worth up to $100,000 to Canadian non-profits, entrepreneurial groups and municipal/regional governmental bodies. Read More

Call for Input: Provincial transit engagement

Initiative: 
Provincial transit engagement
Deadline: 
29 Apr 2016

From the Alberta Government website:

Have your say about Alberta’s new provincial transit strategy.

As Alberta’s economy and population grows, public transportation provides safe, accessible, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation options to connect Albertans to work, recreation, services and each other.

The Alberta government is committed to hearing about the transportation needs of Albertans living in rural and urban communities across the province. This information will help provide a better understanding of the varying public transportation issues, challenges and opportunities. Read More

EcoCity Edmonton: Community Sustainability Grants

Deadline: 
28 Mar 2016

The City of Edmonton and Alberta Ecotrust are partnering to deliver environmental grants to help support energy literate citizens with energy conserving lifestyles and a strong shift to active and public transportation.

We believe that protecting and improving the environment within Edmonton’s borders is a shared responsibility. Through EcoCity Edmonton, citizens can learn about Edmonton’s environmental vision, find inspiration to take action in their community, and apply for a grant to help get ideas off the ground. Read More

Call for Comments: Proposed Ambient Air Quality Objective for Naphthalene

Initiative: 
Draft Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives - Naphthalene
Deadline: 
15 Mar 2016

Development of a new objective for naphthalene is complete with an annual objective being proposed.

The draft objective has been posted for 90 day public comment. Note the comment period has been extended to 90 days because of the holiday season. The comment period will end March 15, 2016. Read More

Phasing out coal is a win for all Albertans

Alberta plan protects health and saves money

CALGARY — Chris Severson-Baker, Alberta Director at the Pembina Institute, adds his comments to the growing support for Alberta’s coal phase-out plan.

“The decision to phase out coal by 2030 makes it clear the government of Alberta is intent on improving Albertans' air quality and tackling one of our highest-emitting fuel sources. Given the international attention on coal as an unnecessary source of pollution, the government of Alberta's decision to phase out coal stands it in good stead to bring a better message and approach to Paris.

“The province's approach will mean significant savings for our health care system. Coal plants are a major source of air contaminants, including mercury, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter. This pollution contributes to over 4,000 asthma episodes, over 700 emergency visits for respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and around 80 hospital admissions, with chronic exposures resulting in nearly 100 premature deaths every year in Alberta. The cost to the health care system is close to $300-million dollars annually.

 “Alberta is now a leader in the transition away from coal and can proudly stake its territory among the world’s most proactive jurisdictions.”

Read More

For health’s sake, it’s time to phase-out coal-fired electricity generation

Health, clean energy and environment groups come together to call for an end to Alberta’s dirty coal problem

CALGARY — World leaders will converge on Paris next month for climate change talks. Alberta is developing a strategy to demonstrate its intention to contribute to the global imperative of tackling climate change. Phasing out coal for producing electricity promises to be a hallmark of this strategy.

The time has come to bring greater attention to the public health benefits that would be realized by accelerating the phase out of coal-fired electricity. Read More

New Alberta air quality report shows need for province-wide pollution reduction

Report points to serious air quality problems that require new management plans from government

EDMONTON — Chris Severson-Baker, Alberta regional director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to today's air quality reporting announcement by the Alberta government:

“This new report adds to the mounting evidence that Alberta needs to reduce air pollution across the province. Measures that will produce more rapid results are also needed in the numerous regional hot spots identified by the report.

“Near-term action is crucial to keep our air from getting worse. Alberta has been too slow to take action on existing pollution sources, and new ones have been added without regard for the cumulative impacts.

Read More

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