Few things that were introduced in 1979 stand the test of time, although that year marked my 12th birthday and the release of more great records than any year before or since (topped by London Calling by The Clash) one would hope that any environmental laws written at the tail end of the 1970s had long since become antiquities. I was amazed to see that wasn’t the case in Quebec, but I’ll argue the old maxim ‘ better late than never’.

After being in existence for 32 years I’m pleased to see that Quebec is changing its air-quality laws. I’m not picking on the province, in fact reading about this story made me wonder just how many air-quality laws in different places are as old as this one was and if so why wouldn’t they have been revised over the last three decades with our further knowledge about air-quality and the environment? It’s definitely something worth researching.

Quebec City soon will be under bluer skies

Quebec will be rolling out the new laws on June 30th and they will apply to almost 5,000 businesses, industries and institutions. Lawmakers feel that the new standards will greatly impact overall air-quality, plus lead to reductions in smog and acid rain. Stricter guidelines apply to the existing standards in addition to many new rules. Remarkably 80 new substances have been added to those that will be regulated many that have been proven to have negative health impacts. A new system of recording and reporting is also being put in place so that specific industries must report their results to the government. Specifically impacted by reporting standards are the steel, cement, aluminium and paper industries. New standards will also apply to companies that manufacture paint, printed goods and refineries.

Originally the intent was to implement the new rules in the during the past decade but the economic conditions experienced resulted in a delay as officials felt that industries already struggling with the business climate would not be well-positioned to implement the internal changes necessary to meet the new standards. I feel that is a wise decision when looking for businesses to support such important changes that will positively impact the environment. The process does allow businesses up to 2 years to meet new standards before fines would be levied.

Environmental groups are pleased with these developments as should be all residents of Quebec you will benefit from a cleaner and healthier environment. It certainly makes me ask when were the air quality standards where I live last changed and you should ask the same of your locality.