B.C. launches new, aggressive climate plan

VICTORIA—B.C. has launched a new climate plan that officials say is more aggressive on reducing climate pollution and building a cleaner economy.

According to the province, the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 plan accelerates measures in B.C.’s climate plan which aims to achieve the Paris emission reduction targets for 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

“Here in B.C., the threat of climate change is no longer decades or even years away. The impacts are all around us, from devastating wildfires to intense heat waves and droughts,” said Premier John Horgan in a statement. “The scale of the climate emergency demands that we act with even greater urgency than ever before. By bringing people and businesses together, we can rise to the challenge and seize the opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient B.C. for everyone. That’s what this plan is all about.”

The new plan makes polluting more expensive and fossil fuel alternatives more affordable. Working with large industry partners, it will also implement sector-specific plans to reduce their climate pollution.

“By working with all sectors, we can see clearly where we are making progress and where new thinking and resources are required,” said George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy. “The CleanBC Roadmap puts greater focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels faster and adopting clean energy solutions. It strengthens B.C.’s position to attract investment and build opportunity for British Columbians and embodies our determination and commitment to meet our climate targets.”

Highlights of the plan include:

– a commitment to increase the price on carbon pollution

– requirements for new industry projects to have enforceable plans to reach B.C.’s legislated and sectoral targets and net-zero by 2050

– stronger regulations that will nearly eliminate industrial methane emissions by 2035

– a comprehensive review of the oil and gas royalty system

– new requirements to make all new buildings zero-carbon by 2030

– adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030 and 100 per cent ZEVs by 2035

– developing new ZEV targets for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles

– an accelerated shift towards active transportation and public transit

– increased clean fuel and energy efficiency requirements

– support for innovation in areas like clean hydrogen, the forest-based bioeconomy and negative emissions technology

“We made our oil and gas sectoral targets clear a year ago and this roadmap includes our commitments to meet that reduction target. We will work with experts, industry and Indigenous nations on programs and policies that will achieve this, including regulation where necessary,” Heyman added.