Manitoba introduces legislation to lower emissions with carbon capture, storage

The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by creating a framework for industries to begin work on underground carbon capture and storage projects, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister Jamie Moses announced on April 4.

“This is an important step forward in our work to make Manitoba a leader in the low-carbon economy,” said Moses. “By working with industry to develop carbon capture and storage projects that would reduce emissions, we’re keeping Manitoba competitive while helping to reach our net zero targets.”

The proposed legislation would allow the Manitoba government to implement a licensing process for carbon capture and storage projects including comprehensive assessment for each project. In addition to this license, businesses would also require an Environment Act license, the minister noted.

Carbon capture, utilization and storage is a carbon management tool that involves preventing greenhouse gas emissions including carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere by utilizing emissions in other processes or sequestering them underground permanently.

Carbon capture and storage projects have been used safely in Canada since 2014, noted the minister. British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan have federally approved carbon capture and storage frameworks.