In Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) 2016-2020, the province committed to increase the availability and use of lower-carbon fuel in the transportation sector.
CCAP proposed to set a Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) to increase the percentage of renewable content required in transportation fuels sold in the province. The proposal focused on gasoline since Ontario had already set a Greener Diesel requirement. The Ministry posted a discussion paper entitled Developing a modern renewable fuel standard for gasoline in Ontario on the environmental and regulatory registries between January 11th to March 12th, 2017 and conducted consultations with key stakeholders.
Based on consultation feedback received from key stakeholders regarding the potential for overlap and duplication between a modern renewable fuel standard for gasoline in Ontario and the developing federal Clean Fuels Standard (CFS), and in recognizing that the CFS could contribute to Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan commitment to reduce GHG emissions from gasoline, the Ministry is proposing to amend existing renewable fuel regulations to increase ethanol blending requirements, improve the environmental performance of fuels, and recognize emerging clean fuel technologies.
Proposed amendments are intended to work with the expected federal CFS, ensuring GHG reductions take place in Ontario and Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan goals are supported. The proposed amendments would support innovation in emerging technologies.
The ministry is also exploring options to support biofuel production and innovation through a Blenders Support Program (BSP) including potential funding of up to $155 million for fuel refiners to make infrastructure upgrades to support the long-term use of biocrude and other program opportunities for further GHG reductions from fuels in the transportation sector.