Canada to amend Environmental Protection Act to enforce biofuels mandate

In Canada, the federal government will introduce amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to allow enforcement of a mandate for 5% renewable fuel blending by 2010.

Earlier this year, the Conservative government announced a $500 million fund in support of next-generation biofuels demonstration projects.

The Harper government has its base of support in the Western prairie states, where support of biofuel production is strong owing to the extensive farming interests in the western provinces. Meanwhile, Canada has exhibited leadership at the municipal level in conducting biofuel trials.

Western Canada has extensive tar sand reserves which are of increasing interest as the price of oil flirts with $100 per barrel, but environmental activists have opposed exploration owing to the environmental consequences.

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