Economy: Environment: Canada's Harper doesn't want to follow Bush on severe goals on auto/gas air pollution

Altho the President of the USA in his State of the Union message did not linger long on issues of oil-product pollution in the environment, he did take a strong approach to using Mideast resources, particularly in relation to what is now called "oil security." A day later, Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper was reported by Canadian Press via No plans to follow Bush on oil consumption, says Harper (Jan24,2k7).

OTTAWA — Canada won't follow the Bush administration's lead in setting hard targets for reducing oil consumption, but will instead impose tougher emissions standards on the auto sector and other industries, says Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

However, any regulations intended to protect the environment won't come at the expense of the economy, Mr. Harper said Wednesday.

"The government does intend to regulate emissions across all sectors including the automobile sector," Mr. Harper said in an exclusive interview with Canadian Press.

The problem is not just automobiles, we underscore, lest there be some misunderstanding. The problem is autos, trucks, buses, boats, lawnmowers, ski-doos, and airplanes.

"(But) we have to consult the industry and ultimately come up with targets that make progress on the environment while being achievable for industry in a way that doesn't jeopardize Canadian jobs," Mr. Harper added.

"That's our target."<'blockquote>Again, Harper doesn't pause to notice that, were we to start with the auto-manufacture industry and certain of its satellites, we could keep people employed while be would bring new models of hybrid models, like the concept car Chebrolet Volt. With an element of inter-companies agreement and government command, a strict plan of full employment could be maintained in the industry during the entire period of the change-over. It's just too obvious that Harper is beholden to particular industrial investors' interests in gas and autos etc, that is quite aside from employment as such.

Harper just doesn't get it that air pollution is an absolute anti-health violation of the entire population and an enemy of the health system. As the report says:

"... [U]nlike U.S. President George W. Bush, cutting energy consumption won't be Canada's focus as it aims at becoming a world energy superpower, Mr. Harper said .

In his State of the Union Address this week, Mr. Bush said he wants to reduce oil consumption by 20 per cent in Middle East oil imports over 10 years. That would reduce American dependence on oil from the Middle East by 75 per cent.

Canada is now the leading exporter of energy to the United States when oil and gas are factored into the equation. The Bush administration has sought to increase oil imports from Canada, which is seen as a reliable and secure source of energy, since the Sept. 11 attacks.

At the same time, it's important to note that Harper does have something of an energy strategy for Canada, a strategy which is bigger than oil-products, vehicle power, and a strong tolerance of unacceptable rates of air pollution.

Canada is an emerging world energy superpower. We have an abundance of all forms of energy. We're an exporter of virtually all forms of energy."

"Our need and our desire to deal with these things and set targets is really in the context of environmental improvement and environmental preservation and less in terms of energy security."

Mr. Harper appears to be heeding warnings from Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and Canadian Auto Workers President Buzz Hargrove.

Mr. McGuinty has warned the federal government not to solve its greenhouse gas emission problems on the backs of the industry that is the engine of the Ontario economy.

Mr. Hargrove has also cautioned Harper not to shackle an industry "already on its knees" with more regulation.

The auto industry has been operating under a voluntary emission reduction plan that will end in 2010.

Thus, as it turns out, the problem in Canada is Ontario's Liberals who control the govt lock, stock and barrell, in cahoots with the automakers here and the Canadian Auto Workers.

--Poliicarp