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Economic Instruments for Long-term Reductions in Energy-based Carbon Emissions – Preface

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Preface

This State of the Debate report marks the conclusion of the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE)'s Ecological Fiscal Reform (EFR) and Energy Program. It describes the Program's research findings and details the final recommendations stemming from the stakeholder consultations. The EFR and Energy Program represents the second phase of the NRTEE's EFR Program. Whereas Phase 1 explored the general potential of economic instruments to advance sustainable development - looking at EFR measures in Europe, the United States and Canada, as well as the use of EFR in specific sectors of the economy - Phase 2 has focused on the use of economic instruments in achieving long-term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, specifically carbon emissions. Phase 1 of the EFR Program was launched in 2000 and concluded with the publication in 2002 of Toward a Canadian Agenda for Ecological Fiscal Reform: First Steps. Work on Phase 2, the EFR and Energy Program, began shortly afterwards, early in 2003. The NRTEE will continue to work on the broader topic of climate change and energy. This work has been mandated by Prime Minister Paul Martin, who requested on February 16, 2005, that the NRTEE "provide advice and recommendations on the development of a long-term energy and climate change strategy for Canada." As well, in the Federal Budget 2005, the NRTEE was asked to develop options for a vehicle feebate, to consult, and to make ecommendations to the government prior to the next federal budget. This request reflects the fact that the National Round Table has established capacity in the use of economic and fiscal instruments for environmental objectives. Glen Murray Chair