British government to back Canada on oilsands

A London newspaper is reporting that the British government is working with Canada to fight a European proposal targeting oilsands. The proposal would label fuel from Alberta oilsands as dirtier than conventional sources.

With major oilsands projects in Alberta, Shell and BP lobbied the British government to support Canada against the EU proposal.

The proposal labels transport fuel from oilsands as having twenty two percent more greenhouse gas emissions than fuel from conventional sources. The Canadian Environment Minister stated that the Conservative government is committed to a realistic plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Canada and Britain’s position could make them unpopular at the climate change talks in Durban, South Africa.

The proposal goes to a vote on Friday.