Toronto (February 27, 2024) –
Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) reacted today to the recent posting by the federal government of significant new regulations that would affect air quality around petroleum refineries and other petroleum facilities.
One of the ongoing major issues around such facilities is the continuing release of carcinogens such as benzene and other Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC’s), impacting the surrounding environment and the health of nearby residents.
The federal posting on the Canada Gazette gives notice of new regulations for VOC’s and provides an opportunity to comment until April 24. It states that to date “the patchwork of mandatory and voluntary measures currently in place do not sufficiently address the risks…” and goes on to specify that the health risks from benzene are not adequately addressed at present.
CELA has long been examining and calling for a reduction of toxic emissions of carcinogens and other pollutants around petroleum refineries and has been calling for improvements in their regulatory oversight. CELA is very hopeful that this proposed federal regulation is adopted expeditiously, and rigorously enforced.
CELA will be analyzing the proposal and providing comments, and may call for faster implementation and longer-term monitoring and reporting, in our forthcoming written suggestions.
Nevertheless, “this proposed regulation finally offers some real hope for the communities who have been most affected by these facilities over many decades,” stated Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director of CELA. “It has been a stain on Canada that so many of the communities who live near these facilities have had to live with excess toxic emissions impacting their health – many of them Indigenous communities – and with the resulting impacts on the health of those who work, live or attend school near those facilities.”
It is also notable that this proposal has been released as Canada has recently adopted a right to a healthy environment under amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act; and has launched a consultation on environmental justice. No such intentions aimed at environmental justice can be taken seriously without Canada addressing one of the most significant ongoing community health impacts arising from Canada’s industrial facilities.
For more information, please contact:
Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director and Counsel – 416-960-2284, ext 7219 or theresa@cela.ca
Image courtesy of ©Dave McIntosh via Canva.com
Media Release: CELA Sees Hope for Major Improvements to Air Quality for Communities Near Oil and Gas Plants
Toronto (February 27, 2024) –
Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) reacted today to the recent posting by the federal government of significant new regulations that would affect air quality around petroleum refineries and other petroleum facilities.
One of the ongoing major issues around such facilities is the continuing release of carcinogens such as benzene and other Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC’s), impacting the surrounding environment and the health of nearby residents.
The federal posting on the Canada Gazette gives notice of new regulations for VOC’s and provides an opportunity to comment until April 24. It states that to date “the patchwork of mandatory and voluntary measures currently in place do not sufficiently address the risks…” and goes on to specify that the health risks from benzene are not adequately addressed at present.
CELA has long been examining and calling for a reduction of toxic emissions of carcinogens and other pollutants around petroleum refineries and has been calling for improvements in their regulatory oversight. CELA is very hopeful that this proposed federal regulation is adopted expeditiously, and rigorously enforced.
CELA will be analyzing the proposal and providing comments, and may call for faster implementation and longer-term monitoring and reporting, in our forthcoming written suggestions.
Nevertheless, “this proposed regulation finally offers some real hope for the communities who have been most affected by these facilities over many decades,” stated Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director of CELA. “It has been a stain on Canada that so many of the communities who live near these facilities have had to live with excess toxic emissions impacting their health – many of them Indigenous communities – and with the resulting impacts on the health of those who work, live or attend school near those facilities.”
It is also notable that this proposal has been released as Canada has recently adopted a right to a healthy environment under amendments to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act; and has launched a consultation on environmental justice. No such intentions aimed at environmental justice can be taken seriously without Canada addressing one of the most significant ongoing community health impacts arising from Canada’s industrial facilities.
For more information, please contact:
Theresa McClenaghan, Executive Director and Counsel – 416-960-2284, ext 7219 or theresa@cela.ca
Image courtesy of ©Dave McIntosh via Canva.com
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