B.C.’s new cabinet and energy ministry has an opportunity to drive home a truly sustainable kind of affordability

novembro 19, 2024

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VICTORIA — Mark Zacharias, executive director at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to the swearing in of the new B.C. cabinet:

“During his almost two years as premier, David Eby has taken the province’s clean energy future seriously with a thoughtful approach to planning, affordability, and economy-building.

“With the swearing in of a new cabinet, it is vital that the government continues to build on its solid record. To that end, we applaud the creation of a new stand-alone climate and energy ministry that combines the roles of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and the Climate Action Secretariat. This is an unprecedented opportunity to address B.C.’s affordability, energy, and climate challenges in a coordinated and effective way.

“Top of the agenda for newly appointed Minister Dix should be policies that support the adoption of household clean technologies, like EVs and heat pumps, that will help British Columbians cut their energy bills. A new Clean Energy Canada report found that a house in Vancouver could save as much as $777 a month by adopting a few key clean technologies. But with upfront costs typically higher, alongside additional barriers often faced by renters and condo owners, provincial government support is key to helping British Columbians access long-term financial relief.

“Also on the list should be an action plan to implement the government’s recently announced energy strategy, Powering our Future, that will ensure B.C. has sufficient clean electricity to power the years ahead. It should also prioritize streamlining permitting and regulatory processes for clean energy projects while advancing Indigenous reconciliation and environmental protection. This must be coupled with strong climate policies, including the development of an oil and gas emissions cap and maintaining the current policy of no incentives or tax relief for fossil fuel projects.

“As B.C. concludes a year packed with both cost-of-living concerns and climate-related damages, it’s clear that any incoming government must get serious on both. We look forward to working with the new ministers and MLAs as they tackle B.C.’s most pressing issues.”