Responding to suggestions from Canadian Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver that a vote on the proposal was being delayed until January because of internal divisions among member countries, European representatives at an international climate change summit said they were committed to adopting it after a debate.
"Oilsands have to be qualified like any other crude," said Jo Leinen, chairman of the European Parliament's environment committee, following a news conference. "The commission is now reflecting on it and proposing an indicator for oilsands from Alberta."
The existing European proposal incorporates an evaluation of different types of fuels along with their estimated impact on the atmosphere, with oilsands actually considered to be less polluting than oil shale and coal converted to liquid fuel.
It is one component of the continent's aggressive plan to slash its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.
"I know that Canada doesn't like it but California has done the same (type of policy on fuels)," said Leinen a member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. "I think if we use unconventional energy, we have to know if this is increasing (carbon dioxide) emissions or lowering them. That's how it is."
Connie Hedegaard, the European commissioner for climate action and a former Conservative environment minister in Denmark, said the proposed legislation is fair.
"We have come with a very clear proposal that tarsands (crude oil) just like all other sorts of fuel, (including) biofuels, must account for the environmental impact they have — not more, not less," she said. "It's absolutely equal treatment to how we (evaluate) biofuels."
The proposed legislation also requires the parliament to periodically review its estimates of the emissions intensity of each fuel on the list with the latest "technical and scientific information" as well as provisions to recognize producers who can demonstrate that their emissions are lower than the estimated value.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government has been actively lobbying European member states to abandon the directive — finding a potential ally in the United Kingdom — arguing that it treats oilsands crude unfairly.
Environment Minister Peter Kent has also touted foreign investments in the Canadian oilsands, noting that many European-based companies, such as British Petroleum and Total, do not approve of the legislation.
Kent kept a low profile and did not immediately make himself available to answer questions on Wednesday after delivering a speech to the conference that was interrupted by a silent protest of Canadian youth.
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Source: Canada.com
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