Oilsands group fighting federal rules on climate claims is back online — but without its net-zero pledge

Headline: Oilsands Consortium Makes Comeback Online Amid Regulatory Changes
In a twist of events, the website for the Pathways Alliance, a coalition of major oilsands companies in Canada, is back online after being temporarily shut down due to regulatory updates brought by Bill C-59. This bill, focusing on amendments to the Competition Act, was signed into law in June, mandating companies to substantiate their environmental claims.
The Pathways Alliance, comprising Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., Cenovus Energy Inc., ConocoPhillips Canada, Imperial Oil Ltd., MEG Energy Corp., and Suncor Energy Inc., had previously launched a significant advertising campaign across Canada, vowing to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from oilsands by 2050. However, concerns over the Competition Act’s revisions prompted the consortium to pull down all content from its website and public platforms.
Despite the setback, the Pathways Alliance has reestablished its online presence, albeit in a scaled-back version. The website now features updated sections, emphasizing Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance and addressing the amendments in the Competition Act through a FAQ page. Notably, the consortium refrains from providing a direct response on their commitment to reaching net-zero by 2050 in light of the regulatory changes.
While questions arise regarding Pathways’ ability to meet its 2050 targets, the clean energy think-tank Pembina Institute expresses skepticism. They highlight discrepancies between the consortium’s emission reduction promises and their actual progress. Nevertheless, Kendall Dilling, president of the Pathways Alliance, reiterates the group’s dedication to transparent communication within industry standards.
The introduction of new regulations under Bill C-59 has sparked debates and uncertainties within the oil and gas sector. The Alberta government has expressed intent to explore legal avenues in response, emphasizing the importance of accurate public communication. Environmental Minister Steven Guilbeault sees the laws as a step towards restoring public trust in environmental claims by energy companies.
As the industry navigates these changes, the Competition Bureau has initiated a public consultation to provide clarity on greenwashing guidelines. Matthew Boswell, the commissioner of Competition, aims to offer transparency and predictability for Canadians through this process, stressing the importance of honest environmental claims.
In a time of regulatory evolution and environmental accountability, the Pathways Alliance’s resurgence online symbolizes a pivotal moment for the oilsands industry. With stakeholders closely observing the consortium’s actions, the path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 faces challenges but remains a steadfast

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