Energy efficient Canadians would gain an income source at the expense of fossil fuel producers and their top industrial customers from an emerging national counterpart to a 19-year-old Alberta carbon emissions control program.

Draft regulations have been posted for a cap-and-trade market titled the Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System. The clock is running on a 60-day public consultation period required before enacting the final, enforceable version.

The package defines ways to create credits against greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with refrigeration technology, forest management, landfill methane control and farm soil stewardship. Additional regulations are planned to recognize more cleanup strategies.

Companion rules, titled the Output-Based Pricing System, govern purchases...