Calgary Alberta Canada in the distance during winter.

Poilievre promises oil and gas companies swift approvals, fewer environmental rules

Canada’s Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has pledged to adopt nearly every request made by oil and gas executives, including scrapping major environmental laws and dropping plans to limit emissions.

Carl Meyer reports for The Narwhal.

In short:

Poilievre said a future Conservative government would repeal the Impact Assessment Act and the Oil Tanker Moratorium Act, fast-track fossil fuel project approvals, and eliminate the proposed emissions cap on oil and gas production.
The oil and gas industry’s open letter urged Canada’s leaders to use emergency powers, roll back climate regulations, and offer financial incentives for Indigenous investment in energy projects.
The CEOs behind the letter represent companies with over $16 billion in 2024 profits and growing fossil fuel output, but the letter downplays climate risks and promotes expansion of LNG as a climate solution.

Key quote:

“Canada’s energy sector, the experts on energy growth, have told us what we need to do. Today I am committing to meeting all of their urgent recommendations.”

— Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Party leader

Why this matters:

Canada’s oil and gas industry is pushing to dismantle environmental protections at a time when the country is experiencing increasing climate-fueled disasters — from wildfires to floods — that strain infrastructure, health systems and local economies. Repealing national environmental laws would weaken oversight of high-polluting projects and reduce opportunities for public and Indigenous consultation. The proposed changes also challenge Canada’s ability to meet international climate targets, as emissions from the fossil fuel sector continue to rise. By granting broad concessions to oil and gas firms, the government could deepen dependence on fossil fuels just as much of the world shifts toward cleaner energy.

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New Trump-era EPA move could let polluters dodge toxic air rules

A new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy under the Trump administration may allow chemical giants to sidestep rules that limit mercury, benzene, and other hazardous pollutants — with big consequences for public health.

Matthew Daly reports for the Associated Press.

In short:

Industry groups representing ExxonMobil, Dow, Chevron, and hundreds of other chemical and petrochemical makers are lobbying the EPA for blanket exemptions from air pollution rules, citing high costs and “unworkable” timelines.
The EPA, now led by Lee Zeldin, has set up what environmental groups have called a “polluters’ portal” — an email inbox where companies can request two-year exemptions from nine Biden-era environmental rules.
Environmental groups warn that this loophole could result in increased exposure to pollutants known to cause cancer, asthma, and birth defects, especially in children.

Key quote:

“There is no basis in U.S. clean air laws — and in decency — for this absolute free pass to pollute.”

— Vickie Patton, general counsel, Environmental Defense Fund

Why this matters:

This policy could open the floodgates to more cancer-causing fumes, more neurotoxins in kids’ bodies, and more birth defects — especially in the communities that already bear the brunt of pollution. It's one in a series of major regulatory rollbacks that Zeldin has announced that have major implications for public health and well-being.

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