Industry Positions
CPPI represents the majority of Canadian refineries and retailers.
Please browse our policy positions by subject.
The Use of Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL)
CPPI and its members have been working, learning and improving the quantification of emissions from their facilities since the early 1970s. Emissions from petroleum refineries are of interest to regulators, the communities in which refineries operate, and the companies that operate refineries.
Renewable Fuels
The development and promotion of renewable fuels has the potential to be beneficial to Canadians environmentally and economically. The use of renewable fuels lowers carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Choosing the right renewable fuels has the potential also to reduce smog, acid rain and air pollution.
CPPI Position on Renewable Fuels
Air Pollution
The National Framework for Petroleum Refinery Emission Reductions (NFPRER) provides the principles and methods for various jurisdictions to establish facility emissions caps for key air pollutants and air toxins from petroleum refineries.
This initiative is intended to improve air quality and help reduce negative health impacts such as respiratory and chronic illnesses caused by criteria air contaminants and air toxins.
Climate Change
Canada’s petroleum products refining industry is committed to improving industry environmental standings. The Kyoto Protocol called for Canada to reduce its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by six percent from 1990 levels. CPPI members’ CO2 emissions are 12 percent lower than 1990 levels, even with a 20 percent increase in production.
Refineries reduced CO2 emissions by implementing refining processes and general practices that are energy efficient throughout facilities. Canada is home to one of the world’s most efficient refining industries, processing 2.2 million barrels every day.
CPPI Position on Climate Change
Health and Safety
Safety is a top priority for Canada’s petroleum products refining industry, and we have a responsibility to keep facilities reliable, prevent accidents and, above all, inform the public of our activities and associated risks. We maintain an open dialogue with community residents and stakeholders.
CPPI Health & Safety Guidelines
Regulation for Sulphur Emissions
Sulphur content in gasoline is being reduced. Currently available low-sulphur fuels are low-sulphur gasoline, low-sulphur on-road diesel and off-road diesel. While reducing sulphur initially increases greenhouse gas emissions (because extra hydrogen and fuel are needed for the process), these additional emissions at the refinery level are more than offset by reduced tailpipe emissions.
Much of the sulphur contained in crude oil is removed during the refining process. The remaining sulphur contributes to tailpipe emissions and smog.
Smog in big cities poses an immediate health risk for many Canadians. When smog levels are high people with sensitive respiratory systems cannot enjoy the outdoors. These amounts can be significantly reduced if sulphur is removed from gasoline.
Gasoline with high sulphur content has the ability to neutralize a vehicle’s catalytic converter and, as a result, sulphur escapes from the tailpipe along with other pollutants.
