MENU
01
Home
02
Services
03
Sectors
04
Team
05
Our Work
06
Updates
07
Careers
08
Contact
Services
01
Government Relations
02
Communications & Digital
03
Advisory Services
Sectors
01
Energy
02
Environment
03
Health Care
Updates
01
Insights
02
News
EN
FR
HomeServicesSectorsTeamOur WorkUpdates
EN
FR
insights
updates
December 17, 2020

Ontario Proposes Amendments to Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) Regulations

written by
Energy Team
Ontario Proposes Amendments to Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) Regulations

Please be advised that the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Park (MECP) posted proposed amendments to regulations related to the Ontario Emissions Performance Standards (EPS) on the Environmental Registry website, here. Comments and feedback will be accepted until January 15, 2021. The ministry also plans to host virtual consultation sessions for stakeholders.

The proposed amendments include changes to the following regulations and incorporated documents:

  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions Performance Standards regulation (O. Reg. 241/19 or the EPS Regulation) and the incorporated GHG Emissions Performance Standards and Methodology for the Determination of the Total Annual Emissions Limit (the Methodology); and
  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Quantification, Reporting and Verification regulation (O. Reg. 390/18 or the Reporting Regulation) and the incorporated Guideline for Quantification, Reporting and Verification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (the Guideline).


By way of background, the Ontario EPS is the federally-approved alternative to the federal output-based pricing system (OBPS). The EPS is intended to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from large industrial facilities in the province, by setting the standards for lowering emissions that facilities are required to meet and considering specific industry and facility conditions while allowing for economic growth.

The MECP is awaiting a decision from the federal government on a start date for compliance obligations under the EPS program; at this time, it is still undecided if this will begin in 2021, or 2022.

In the interim, the MECP is consulting on the proposed amendments now to ensure a smooth transition for industry from the federal OBPS to the Ontario EPS program.
Ontario’s proposed amendments include:

1. Proposed start date of January 1, 2021 for application of all provisions of the EPS program (will be amended if a 2022 start date is chosen)

2. Amending provisions related to the start date of compliance obligations

3. Aligning scope of the EPS to match the federal OBPS by proposing additional sectors that can voluntarily opt-in to the EPS:
‍
NAICS Code Description
‍
31142 Fruit and vegetable canning, pickling and drying
311611 Animal (except poultry) slaughtering
32222 Paper bag and coated and treated paper manufacturing
32614 Polystyrene foam product manufacturing
32621 Tire manufacturing
33211 Forging and stamping
33635 Motor vehicle transmission and power train parts manufacturing

4. Amendments to support the ability for registered facilities to maintain their exemption from the federal fuel charge

5. Other administrative and clarifying amendments

The posting also indicated that MECP intends to propose additional amendments to the EPS Regulation and the Reporting Regulation and related incorporated documents in late winter 2021. These amendments would address any other issues that may arise from ongoing transition discussions with the federal government. At that time, we may also propose amendments to enhance and improve enforcement and administration of the program.

Please let our team know if you have any questions, or if we can provide assistance with your submission.

No items found.
share article
Link copied
‍

RECENT POSTS

Ontario Launches Panel to Strengthen Local Electricity Distribution
October 28, 2025

Ontario Launches Panel to Strengthen Local Electricity Distribution

Strengthening Local Electricity Distribution for a Competitive, Reliable Future. Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, the Hon. Stephen Lecce, has announced the formation of the Panel for Utility Leadership and Service Excellence (PULSE), a new initiative to address the evolving challenges facing Ontario’s electricity distribution sector.

New Ontario Housing Legislation Aims to Accelerate Development
October 23, 2025

New Ontario Housing Legislation Aims to Accelerate Development

In response to a sluggish housing market and mounting pressure from builders for relief, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack tabled today the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, a sweeping omnibus bill aimed at accelerating housing and infrastructure development across Ontario.

Ontario Government Introduces the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025.
October 20, 2025

Ontario Government Introduces the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025.

The Premier, Cabinet Ministers and Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) were back at Queen’s Park for the first day of the Ontario legislature’s fall session. The Government’s legislative agenda kicked off with the introduction of the Building a More Competitive Economy Act, 2025, which is designed to strengthen the province’s economy by reducing red tape, streamlining regulatory processes, and supporting local businesses and workers.

view all
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
company
HomeTeamCareersContactTerms & PoliciesAccessibility
explore
ServicesSectorsOur WorkUpdates
follow us
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2020
Land Acknowledgement