The government of Ontario has introduced a new bill, the Resource Management and Safety Act 2024, aims to reduce risks from wildland fires and hazardous oil and gas wells, while enabling the use of carbon storage.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Strengthening Wildland Fire Prevention: Modernizing regulations to enhance prevention and preparedness, including stricter penalties for those who violate wildland fire laws.
- Addressing Hazardous Wells: Empowering the government to take immediate action on hazardous wells when operators are non-compliant, ensuring public safety.
- Supporting Infrastructure Development: Amending the Surveyors Act to attract more professionals and expedite infrastructure and housing projects.
- Enabling Carbon Storage Technology: Introducing the Geologic Carbon Storage Act to regulate commercial-scale carbon storage, reducing emissions and creating jobs.
Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, stated: “This legislation demonstrates our commitment to helping Ontario’s energy-intensive industries remain competitive while reducing emissions and driving economic growth.”
“It proves there’s a better way than the federal carbon tax—one that captures carbon, fosters innovation, and creates good-paying jobs. By enabling geologic carbon storage, we’re not only helping industries cut emissions responsibly but also creating opportunities for families and supporting good-paying jobs that build a stronger future for Ontario,” Oosterhoff said.
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The government emphasizes the importance of consulting with stakeholders and Indigenous communities to refine the carbon storage framework and ensure responsible implementation.
By mitigating emissions and creating new job opportunities, carbon storage has the potential to transform Ontario’s natural resource industries and contribute to a sustainable future.
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