Canada-US Bilateral Air Quality Agreement

The Canada-US bilateral Air Quality Agreement was signed in 1991. The agreement includes several annexes: sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, science, technical and economic considerations, and the most recent — the Ozone Annex (2000). The CEN oversaw the selection of ENGO delegates to the official Negotiation Team for the Ozone Annex in late 2000. The Annex is expected to result in significant reductions of emissions of NOx and VOCs, the precursor pollutants to ground-level ozone, the major component of smog. The phase-in of the agreement will directly impact domestic policy regarding power generation and emissions. Information regarding Canada-US Air Issues, including details on the Ozone Annex.

Canada and the US have signaled their intent to review Progress to Date on the Ozone Annex at a June 2004 meeting. Environment Canada is seeking to consult with ENGO stakeholders in advance at a March 23 face-to-face meeting in Ottawa, for which travel and accommodation expenses will be covered. The CEN has been invited to oversee the selection of an ENGO delegation (up to 5 ENGO representatives) to this multi-stakeholder meeting. Participants to the last round of negotiations are particularly encouraged to apply. A later invitation to oversee selection of an ENGO representative to the Official Canadian Team will likely draw from these five ENGO representatives. More information on the Ozone Annex is available on EC's web site.

Support for Renewable Energy

Community Based Renewable Energy in the Developing World: A Call for Policy Paper Development Input

The CEN-International Porgram has written a draft policy paper and is seeking input and feedback from communities, non-governmental organizations, development agencies, researchers, private industry, and development workers working in the field of renewable energy in the developing world.

View the document here. ENGOs are strongly encouraged to send theirl input, comments, questions and recommendations to Jean Arnold, the Falls Brook Centre Executive Director at (506) 375-8143 or ja@fallsbrookcetnre.ca.