Clean Up Call for the Tar Sands

A Commons committee has urged the government to force a substantial reduction in emissions by the oil companies operating in the Athabasca Tar Sands. From the Toronto Star:

“The regulations should also ensure that future oil sands expansion is done in a way that does not “jeopardize” Canada’s obligations under the Kyoto climate change accord, says the yet-to-be released report of the natural resources committee, obtained by the Star.

“‘The mounting environmental and social costs associated with oil sands activities … make it increasingly clear that it would be irresponsible to continue on a `business-as-usual’ course. It is time to being the transition toward a clean energy future,’ says the report, dated Feb. 28 and marked “Confidential.”

“The report says by harnessing new technologies, such as pumping carbon dioxide underground, and by buying credits from companies that have already reduced their emissions more than required, the oil sands could have net emissions of zero within the next 12 years.

“The report was to have been tabled in the Commons this week, but was delayed.

“Because MPs yesterday began a two-week break, the report now is at risk of not being tabled until after the Tories have announced emission-reduction targets for the largest industrial polluters, which include the oil sands.”

The recommendations won’t go down well with Harpo who wants to avoid significant GHG emission reductions by opting for the ruse known as “intensity-based” targets. Once again aping his mentor, George Bush, Harpo is content to keep rolling the dice even though they’re loaded against the country and the planet.

 

Or Else What, Steve?

He’s at it again. Stephen Harper is laying the law down to… why, to China of course. Steve says China better not threaten Canada over our (his) criticism of human rights abuse or… or… or something they sure won’t like will happen.

Naturally Harper didn’t send this ultimatum to the Chinese. No, he thought it’d be better if he just strutted his stuff before a gaggle of reporters in Halifax.

“I would point out to any Chinese official that just as a matter of fact, China had a huge trade surplus with this country so it would be in the interest of the Chinese government to make sure any dealings on trade are fair and above board,” Harper said.

Last time I checked, both China and Canada operated under the World Trade Organization rules so, unless Harpie is claiming China is in breach of those rules in its trade with Canada, he’s blowing smoke. Of course, if the Harpster is accusing China of that sort of breaches, why the hell has he waited for a photo op to take action?

Here’s a suggestion. If Harpo has something he wants to “point out to any Chinese official” maybe he ought to wait until he has an actual Chinese official within earshot. Just a thought.