Province to update emissions system regulations

By Lethbridge Herald on September 17, 2025.

Al Beeber
Lethbridge Herald

The Alberta government is introducing updates to its technology innovation and emissions reduction (TIER) system which it says will empower industries to invest in on-site emissions reduction technology that works for their specific operations.

The Alberta NDP responded to the announcement Tuesday afternoon with its shadow minister for energy and minerals, Nagwan Al-Guneid, saying the government is weakening the TIER program.

The updates will recognize “on-site emissions reduction investments as a new way for industry to comply with the TIER system in addition to the current options,” said the province in a media release.

Those options include paying into the TIER fund or buying credits. The updates would reward companies for directly investing in emissions reduction technology “that encourages innovation, supports local jobs  and reduces emissions,” says the province.

Updates will also let smaller facilities that are presently participating in TIER to leave or opt out for this year, to lower costs and red tape. The government says companies below the regulatory emissions threshold can face compliance costs that are disproportionate under TIER.

“This change would help smaller industries save money and redirect resources into emissions reduction investments or other operational improvements for more cost savings,” says the province, which claims the updates will again position Alberta as a world leader “ready to  meet the challenges and realities of shifting global markets, increased competition and trade uncertainty.”

The NDP, however, feels the provincial carbon pricing system has bipartisan support and been intact through six premiers “because it’s good policy that drives innovation and investment in Alberta while  addressing climate change. Through rushed and limited consultations, the UCP government is weakening Canada’s most mature carbon market  which will hurt investment and job creation.”

In his own statement, Al-Guneid said the provincial government should be strengthening TIER “to enhance Alberta’s investment climate,  capturing the fleeing cleantech investments from the U.S., boost innovation, reduce emissions and most importantly, create thousands of jobs to help us grown again.”

The Explorers and Producers Association of Canada supported the changes, saying they recognize industry concerns about competitiveness and show the province is supporting emissions reductions in a way that  helps companies, reduce emissions while competing for investment and jobs.