Government of Yukon amends Air Emissions Regulation to reduce air pollutants and support a cleaner future

Press Release

Jun 06, 2025

Protecting air quality and human health is a key priority of the Government of Yukon’s commitment to shaping a healthier, cleaner future for Yukoners. As part of its Our Clean Future climate strategy, the Government of Yukon is amending the Air Emissions Regulation to help minimize the release of harmful air pollutants from large-scale biomass burning systems, such as those found in schools, offices or large commercial buildings.

Under the amended Regulation, biomass burning units equal to or greater than 150 kilowatts of heat output, of which there are currently four in the Yukon, will require an air emissions permit.

The changes to the Regulation will come into effect on July 1, 2025. Any future systems will require an air emissions permit prior to initial startup and owners and operators of existing systems will require an air emissions permit by December 31, 2025.

The six-month transition period provides existing operators additional time to work with the Department of Environment to ensure their systems are in compliance with the amended Regulation.

Clean air matters – to our health, our communities and our environment. By regulating emissions from large-scale biomass systems, we are delivering on our Our Clean Future commitments and taking real steps to reduce air pollution. As more commercial and institutional buildings explore biomass as a cleaner energy option, we are helping ensure it is done responsibly.

Minister of Environment Nils Clarke

Quick facts

• The Government of Yukon engaged with the public, Yukon First Nations governments, commercial and institutional biomass systems owners and other stakeholders from September 18 to November 18, 2024. A What We Heard report was shared on February 11, 2025.
• The Air Emissions Regulation sets rules for activities that release pollutants into the air and may harm the environment or human health. The Regulation covers permitting, monitoring and enforcement of emissions from manufacturing of asphalt, production of natural gas, quarrying, processing and handling of coal, operation of incinerators for solid and special waste, operation of electricity generating facilities, storage of solid, liquid or gaseous substances and now biomass burning units equal or greater to 150 kilowatts.

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Mara De La Rosa
Communications, Environment
867-456-5565
mara.delarosa@yukon.ca

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