The UNFCCC Secretariat today published informal reports on the technical workshops on Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement that were held virtually between May 16 and 19, 2022. The technical workshops were held further to the Article 6.2 Guidance on cooperative approaches agreed at COP 26 in November 2021. The technical workshops focused on Article 6.2 reporting rules and related infrastructure requirements, which are expected to influence how countries operationalize Article 6 through domestic legislation. Two informal reports and three supporting slide decks were published on the following topics: Tables and outlines for reporting required Article 6.2 information (informal report): Outlines for the initial report and regular information annex to the biennial transparency report (slide deck); and Agreed electronic format for annual information (slide deck) Options for implementing Article 6 infrastructure requirements (informal report): Registries and the international registry; The Article 6 database; and Centralized accounting and reporting platform (slide deck). The Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) will consider the outcomes of the technical workshops at its intersessional meetings set to take place in Bonn between June 6 and 16, 2022. The SBSTA is then expected to forward its recommendations for consideration and adoption at COP 27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, now set to begin one day earlier, on November 6, and run until November 18, 2022. For further information or to discuss the contents of this bulletin, please contact Lisa DeMarco at lisa@resilientllp.com.
The Government of British Columbia (B.C.) has introduced Bill 15, the Low-Carbon Fuels Act (LCFA), to replace the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirements) Act (the GGRA) and update the Renewable and Low Carbon Fuel Requirements Regulation, which together are known as B.C.’s low carbon fuel standard (LCFS). The government indicated that the new LCFA is meant to make its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction legislation easier to understand, administer, and enforce. This bulletin briefly highlights key changes to the LCFS. Proposed changes to the LCFS include: Fuel for Aviation and Marine Use. The LCFA would include fuel supplied for aviation and marine use, thereby ensuring that all fossil-derived transportation fuels supplied in B.C. are subject to carbon-intensity requirements and generate market opportunities for a wider range of low-carbon fuels. Direct Air Capture and Sequestration. The LCFA would authorize the provision of compliance credits for direct air-capture and permanent sequestration of GHGs, which is intended to support investments in technologies that remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Increase Use of Low-Carbon Products, including EVs. The LCFA would require some utilities to use a portion of their revenues from the sale of low-carbon fuel credits for programs dedicated to increasing the use of low-carbon products. This is intended to further supports the purchase of electric vehicles. Expand Access for Credit Trading. The LCFA would expand access for earning low-carbon fuel credits and engaging in credit trading to persons other than fuel suppliers. The government indicated that this will provide a new funding mechanism for businesses, communities, academic institutions, and others that may commercialize new fuel production methods or develop clean-energy technologies that reduce GHG emissions. Provide Clarity. The LCFA is intended to make the LCFS easier to administer and enforce, enhance understanding, and provide regulatory certainty for fuel suppliers and those making investments in low-carbon fuels. The LCFA includes several transitional provisions including affirming that…
We are thrilled to announce the addition of Nicholas Daube to the Resilient LLP Team. Nick comes to us from a position of depth and breadth in both climate and finance related public policy and law, after several action-packed years in private practice and the offices of the Ontario premier, as well as provincial and federal government ministers (finance, environment, and the Attorney General). Nick is leading up Resilient LLP’s services in and around all things hydrogen and adding to our breadth in all things climate change, energy transition and Indigenous resurgence. Please join us in welcoming Nick to the Resilient Team!