Published by Todd Bush on November 29, 2024
TORONTO, ON – The Ontario government has unveiled the Resource Management and Safety Act, a sweeping legislative proposal aimed at addressing critical environmental, public safety, and infrastructure challenges. If passed, the Act will enhance wildland fire prevention, manage hazardous oil and gas wells, attract more land surveyors to meet growing housing and infrastructure needs, and regulate groundbreaking carbon storage technology.
“Our government is helping communities protect precious resources by taking steps to minimize the adverse environmental, economic and health impacts of wildland fires and hazardous oil and gas wells,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources.
>> In Other News: Boomer! University of Oklahoma joins Los Alamos in Work on Carbon Storage Hub
The Act proposes updates to the Forest Fires Prevention Act, introducing stricter penalties for those violating wildland fire regulations and requiring enhanced wildland fire management plans. These changes aim to reduce human-caused wildfires and their associated risks.
In addition, amendments to the Oil, Gas, and Salt Resources Act would empower the Ministry of Natural Resources to take immediate action against hazardous wells when operators fail to comply due to circumstances like bankruptcy. This includes the ability to recover costs from managing these risks, thereby protecting public safety and ensuring swift responses to emergencies.
Recognizing the critical role of land surveyors in Ontario’s rapid growth, the Act proposes changes to the Surveyors Act to attract more professionals to the field. This move supports the development of safe, affordable housing and key infrastructure, aligning with the province’s broader housing strategy.
A centerpiece of the proposed legislation is the Geologic Carbon Storage Act, which would enable the regulation of commercial-scale geologic carbon storage. This technology involves capturing CO2 emissions and storing them in deep underground rock formations, preventing them from entering the atmosphere.
The government projects that carbon storage could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5 to 7 million tonnes annually while creating approximately 4,000 short-term jobs. This would also lower carbon costs for Ontario industries by nearly $1 billion per year, positioning the province as a global leader in clean resource management.
“By mitigating emissions, carbon storage has the potential to transform Ontario’s essential natural resource industries into internationally recognized global suppliers of clean building materials while creating new good-paying jobs,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources.
The government plans to continue consulting with stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, to refine the framework as commercial projects are proposed. If the Act passes, supporting regulations will be developed to implement its provisions effectively.
“Our forestry sector is vitally important to Ontario, producing critical building materials, and managing and renewing Ontario’s forests, which can play an important role in reducing the risk of wildland fire,” added Kevin Holland, Minister of Forestry and Forest Products.
By introducing the Resource Management and Safety Act, Ontario seeks to balance environmental stewardship with economic growth, ensuring a safer, more sustainable future for communities across the province.
SOURCE: Government of Ontario
Follow the money flow of climate, technology, and energy investments to uncover new opportunities and jobs.
Inside the Issue 🌎 Global Leaders Converge in Edmonton September 23-25 for Carbon Capture Canada as Federal Government Expected to Boost Industrial Carbon Pricing in Fall 2025 ✈️ Delta Partners Wi...
Inside This Issue 📉 EPA Releases Proposal to End the Burdensome, Costly Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, Saving up to $2.4 Billion 📊 California to Extend Cap-and-trade Program Aimed at Advancing ...
Inside this Issue ✈️ CORSIA Transforms Aviation Compliance Into Market Gold Rush 📉 IEA Cuts 2030 Low-emissions Hydrogen Production Outlook by Nearly a Quarter 🎤 GenH2 Executive Chairman Josh McMor...
More than 5,000 attendees are expected at Canada’s national Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) convention to address industry opportunities in the sector from geopolitical advantage to ...
1PointFive and NYK Announce Carbon Removal Agreement
Second NYK transaction continues to build momentum for Direct Air Capture as a solution for the maritime sector HOUSTON, Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 1PointFive, a carbon capture, utilizatio...
Led by cornerstone investors Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, with International Airlines Group (IAG), Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines from oneworld alliance, and Singapore Airlines as part o...
Eaton to Showcase Technologies for Hydrogen-Powered Commercial Vehicles at IAA Transportation 2024
HANOVER, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Intelligent power management company Eaton announced it will showcase a broad range of innovative solutions for hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles September 17–...
Follow the money flow of climate, technology, and energy investments to uncover new opportunities and jobs.