This release was issued under a previous government.

“This study confirms our contention that the FQD unfairly and unjustifiably discriminates against Alberta’s oil sands, because it is based on a flawed and unscientific premise and poor data.

“The study shows that many of the crude oils being imported and refined in the EU today actually have greater GHG intensities than oil sands crude. Yet these crudes are categorized in the FQD as lower intensity. Not only is this unfair, it is likely to result in higher GHG emissions in the EU, which is exactly the opposite of what the policy is purported to achieve.

“Our government agrees with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Any efforts to do so must be fair and effective, and be based on sound logic and science—a message Minister McQueen and I reinforced in meetings with EU member states during a mission to Europe earlier this fall.

“If the European Union is serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, then the FQD needs to apply the same standard to all crude oils and reflect the true emissions intensities of each.”

Related information

New Report Finds Fuel Quality Directive Ineffective