Clean BC Plan Puts Province At Turning Point

Dec 5, 2018 | 4:04 PM

BC’s clean growth plan is getting a tentative thumbs up from at least a couple of groups.

The Sierra Club of BC calls it a major step forward to combat the climate crisis, but says no new major energy projects that increase emissions should be allowed.

The BC Federation of Labour calls it “the biggest and boldest plan for economic transformation in the province’s history,” but says the NDP government will have to address the fear of the unknown many will have.

“It means that government will have to deal concretely with issues around affordability so that no one is left behind by the new economic blueprint. It also means addressing the impacts of the transition on working people, their families and communities,” says BC Fed president Laird Cronk.

“We welcome today’s announcement as an important step forward and a good day for all British Columbians. This is an excellent step towards defending our communities from climate impacts and building a strong clean energy economy that works for everyone,” says Caitlyn Vernon, Sierra Club BC’s campaigns director.

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“The plan delivers specific, effective actions with transparent reporting and accountability, which deserves both applause and support,” said Vernon. “We will be watching to ensure that the climate advisory council has sufficient budget and capacity to do its work, can set interim sectoral targets and has the ability to revise pollution reduction targets in future in light of the latest science.”

Sierra Club BC is concerned that the plan will not reduce carbon pollution as much or as fast as the climate science says is needed.

“The government’s continued commitment to LNG remains a matter of deep concern, given the massive carbon footprint of the LNG Canada project alone. The provincial strategy leaves it unclear how much carbon pollution is allowed from LNG terminals, and what binding mechanism will be used to ensure they cannot increase above a certain level.”

The CleanBC plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by the year 2030, while creating more jobs and economic opportunities for people, businesses and communities.

Premier John Horgan says the province will encourage transition from fossil fuels towards renewable energy, more zero emission vehicles, and attracting more green industries.

“The low-carbon economy we build together will bring opportunities and jobs throughout the province, so people can live and work with greater security in the communities they call home,” says Horgan. “By moving to clean, renewable energy – like our abundant supply of B.C. electricity – we can power our growing economy and make life better and more affordable for British Columbians.”

Green Party leader Andrew Weaver says the CleanBC plan offers a pathway for BC to be on the cutting edge of the low-carbon economy, and is a vital first step towards keeping BC’s climate commitments and looks forward to building on this progress in the months ahead.

“This plan offers a pathway for B.C. to have a thriving low-carbon economy,” said Weaver.

“Climate change is the most significant challenge facing humanity. Each megatonne of carbon we take out of the equation will bring us closer to limiting global warming, in turn limiting the economic damage, social upheaval and human suffering threatened by climate change. British Columbians should be proud that this plan can make a difference,” says Weaver.

Photo courtesy of blogs.ufv.ca

by Corey Fischer