The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that Alberta's government plans to take control of corporate greenhouse gas data to oppose Ottawa's oil and gas emissions cap, which it argues is an unconstitutional intrusion. The Globe's Emma Graney and Jeffrey Jones write that Premier Danielle Smith has vowed to fight the cap in court, proposing measures such as seizing greenhouse gas data from companies, barring federal officials from energy facilities and preventing provincial entities from aiding Ottawa in enforcing the cap. Law experts warn this could lead to significant government overreach and legal risks for energy companies. Federal Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson is standing by his decision to implement an emissions cap despite Alberta's actions. Facilities emitting 10,000 tonnes or more of greenhouse gases annually must report to Ottawa under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program established in March, 2004. Ms. Smith stated that companies will be prohibited from sharing emissions data with anyone except the Alberta government as part of their operational licence.
She said Tuesday, "Companies should look at this and thank us for this, for being willing to protect them from federal government overreach."
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