Ontario’s environment ministry on Thursday announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the province by 37% below 1990 levels by 2030.

The move means the province becomes the first in Canada to set a “mid-term” reductions target. Ontario already has in place plans to reduce GHGs 15% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

“Establishing a 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target of 37% below 1990 levels sends a clear signal to Canada and the world that Ontario is committed to creating a lasting legacy of a better environment and a stronger low-carbon economy for future generations,” said Ontario’s environment minister Glen Murray in a statement.

The new target aligns the province with the US state of California, where Governor Jerry Brown earlier this month issued an executive order requiring the state’s polluters to reduce 2030 emissions by 40% below the 1990 baseline.

Ontario last month announced its intent to launch a cap-and-trade system to help meet its emission targets and to link with the Western Climate Initiative market of California and Quebec.

Murray said earlier this week that the market plan is expected to be ready by the end of the year following a consultation.

By Robert Mullin – news@carbon-pulse.com