Regulation - LGIC
Increasing Renewable Content in Fuels
Regulation Number(s):
N/A
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E.19
Summary of Proposal:
The purpose of these proposed amendments is to support Ontario's goal to achieve its share of Canada's 2030 emissions reduction target, as proposed in the made-in-Ontario environment plan.
Historically, ethanol prices have generally been lower than gasoline prices on a volume basis and blending ethanol in gasoline has been a more cost-effective way to enhance fuel performance compared to other octane enhancers (such as benzene, toluene, and xylene).
We are proposing the following amendments to O. Reg. 535/05 (Ethanol in Gasoline) under the Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E.19:
1. Require gasoline fuel suppliers to maintain an average of 15% renewable content (e.g. ethanol) in regular grade gasoline, by volume per calendar year as early as 2025.
2. Require renewable content (e.g. ethanol) used for compliance to emit significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than petroleum gasoline, on a lifecycle basis, concurrently.
3. Other potential updates related to a new lifecycle assessment model, e.g. updating the compliance formula.
We are also considering updates to ensure that O. Reg. 97/14 (Greener Diesel - Renewable Fuel Content Requirements for Petroleum Diesel) is consistent with the Ethanol in Gasoline regulation.
For both regulations, we will consider opportunities to:
• clarify requirements
• support innovation for Ontario businesses.
Historically, ethanol prices have generally been lower than gasoline prices on a volume basis and blending ethanol in gasoline has been a more cost-effective way to enhance fuel performance compared to other octane enhancers (such as benzene, toluene, and xylene).
We are proposing the following amendments to O. Reg. 535/05 (Ethanol in Gasoline) under the Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.E.19:
1. Require gasoline fuel suppliers to maintain an average of 15% renewable content (e.g. ethanol) in regular grade gasoline, by volume per calendar year as early as 2025.
2. Require renewable content (e.g. ethanol) used for compliance to emit significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than petroleum gasoline, on a lifecycle basis, concurrently.
3. Other potential updates related to a new lifecycle assessment model, e.g. updating the compliance formula.
We are also considering updates to ensure that O. Reg. 97/14 (Greener Diesel - Renewable Fuel Content Requirements for Petroleum Diesel) is consistent with the Ethanol in Gasoline regulation.
For both regulations, we will consider opportunities to:
• clarify requirements
• support innovation for Ontario businesses.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
Please refer to the Regulatory Impact Statement in our Environmental Registry posting. See link below.
Further Information:
Link to Environmental Registry
Proposal Number:
19-MECP010
Posting Date:
February 12, 2019
Comments Due Date:
March 29, 2019