Suncor supports a number of initiatives to tackle the complex scientific and social issues related to climate change.

Climate status workshop for educators

In 2008, Refining & Marketing USA sponsored three teachers from Adams County (where Suncor's Commerce City refinery is located) to attend Climate Status Investigation, a workshop at the Keystone Center for Education, located in Keystone, Colorado. Tuition, instruction and lab materials, travel, lodging and meals were all part of Suncor's support for the three individuals.

Larry Squires, who teaches at Adams City High School, says, “My students were enthusiastic to learn about climate issues and the CSI curriculum was easily incorporated into my science classes. Thanks, Suncor, for the opportunity to attend the workshop.”

Reducing ozone in Colorado

In 2008, Suncor continued to work with government and community stakeholders to provide input to a plan that would reduce ozone levels in the Denver metro and Front Range areas.

At ground level, ozone is an irritant to the eyes, nose, throat and lungs. In the summer of 2007, average ground level ozone readings in the Denver area exceeded the federal Environmental Protection Agency maximum, triggering a mandatory regulatory process to reduce ozone.

As a major gasoline supplier to the Denver area market, Suncor's production could be affected.

For gasoline, the higher the vapour pressure, the more volatile organic compounds are released to the atmosphere, which in turn creates more ozone. Under regulations now being considered, gasoline sold in the Denver metro area during summer months may have to meet lower vapour pressure.

Suncor currently produces gasoline with a vapour pressure of 7.8 pounds and we are concerned that in order to meet potential lower vapour pressures, Suncor may have to consider reducing or eliminate blending ethanol into our gasoline slate during the hot summer months.

Suncor is collaborating with regulators and community stakeholders to promote our proposal and to ensure the regulators and other stakeholders have the data to make informed decisions that are in the best interests of suppliers, retailers, and consumers. Whatever the new vapour pressure limit is, it is likely to impact supply and price of gasoline in the Denver area.

Supporting Clean Cities

In 2008, Suncor donated $10,000 USD to the American Lung Association of Colorado to help support their participation in the Denver Metro Clean Cities Coalition.

The coalition was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy. It is a partnership between the federal government and local industry, designed to expand the use of alternative fuels such as electricity, ethanol, natural gas, hydrogen, biodiesel and propane.

Clean Cities helps people learn about options and technologies that promote cleaner air — and healthier lungs.

Suncor's donation helped Lung Association representatives to attend meetings, hearings and other activities associated with the promotion of alternative fuels.

“Alternative fuels are part of Suncor's key climate change initiatives and continue to be part of our overall corporate sustainability plan,” explains Paul Ludwig, manager, government and stakeholder relations.