VICTORIA / LEKWUNGEN TERRITORY — Karen Tam Wu, B.C. director at the Pembina Institute and a member of B.C.’s Climate Solutions Council, made the following statement today in response to B.C. Budget 2020:
“We are reassured by the B.C. government continuing to put its money where its mouth is on climate action and the clean economy. Budget 2020 earmarks $419 million over three years to CleanBC programs, including initiatives supporting clean transportation, low carbon buildings, and climate adaptation. Added to the $902 million in last year’s budget, that’s $1.3 billion over four years — a landmark investment in climate action.
“However, after B.C.’s carbon tax increases to $50 per tonne in 2021, the B.C. government plans to hold the rate steady until it aligns with the federal government’s price on carbon pollution. It’s worth noting that a rising price on pollution is one of the most effective tools for incentivizing clean choices and reducing emissions. A stronger carbon tax will be critical to keeping B.C. on track to achieve its 2030 climate target.
“We look forward to seeing the government’s climate accountability report, which will help us determine CleanBC investments’ bang for the buck, later this year. We expect the report to link the dollars spent on programs to resulting carbon pollution reductions. This report should also assess whether additional investments or changes to programs are needed to get B.C. to the 2030 target and build a prosperous, clean economy. We also look forward to the government establishing carbon pollution reduction targets for sectors of the economy, which will help ensure that all development fits within our climate targets, next year.
“When fully implemented, the CleanBC plan is projected to achieve 75 per cent of the carbon pollution reductions required to meet B.C.’s 2030 climate target. The government has committed to laying out a strategy to close the 25 per cent gap by the end of this year. We stand ready to work together with the government on this forthcoming strategy, which will also need to be fully funded to be effective.”
[30]
Contact
Stephen Hui
Senior communications lead, Pembina Institute
778-987-7654
stephenh@pembina.org
Tw: @StephenHui
Background
Op-ed: Expectations high for B.C. climate action in 2020
Open letter: Bold climate action is an investment in B.C.’s economic prosperity
Op-ed: Don’t believe carbon pricing really works? Just ask B.C.
About the Pembina Institute
The Pembina Institute is a non-profit think-tank that works to advance a prosperous clean energy future for Canada through credible policy solutions that support communities, the economy, and a safe climate. We have offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Toronto. Learn more: www.pembina.org
