Reducing emissions while growing the LNG sector: B.C. to outline climate action plan

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – We are set to learn how the province plans to meet its emissions targets while growing the LNG sector.

There are two major components to this.

The industry element, which aims to electrify the LNG industry, and the part British Columbians will feel — incentives for those willing to adopt green technologies.

Karen Tan Wu with the Pembina Institute welcomes the plan to bring in more electrification.

“We do feel that any further development or expansion of LNG needs to be zero emissions, and we do believe that’s possible.”

On whether she thinks it’s even possible to do so, Wu admits it will be a challenge. She explains her group has been asking how LNG will “fit” within the climate strategy.

“The government has committed to that, and we’re still waiting to see some specific policies on and definitions for ‘what does fitting mean.'”

She hopes to see bold policies that “lead the pack” in Canada as well as North America.

“We hope that B.C. puts forward a clean economy strategy that is a model for Canada, and frankly for the world because that’s what we need to be seeing right now.”

As for incentives, Bruce Sharpe with the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association says people will change their behaviour if it makes financial sense.

“People are price-sensitive,” he explains. “To be able to even that out, make it more of an even playing field is really important.”

Sharpe says incentives are really important when it comes to electric vehicles, despite the operating cost of an EV being much lower than a comparable gas-car, as initial costs can be somewhat higher.

With more and more people turning to electric vehicles, Sharpe says financial incentives can help people with their initial entry into that world.

“Electric cars are great in every respect, but the initial cost is sometimes a bit of a surprise to people,” he says. “It’s not like it’s outrageously high, but it’s high enough.”

Premier John Horgan and Green Leader Andrew Weaver are expected to introduce the government’s long-term strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a wide-ranging provincial transition to a low carbon economy on Wednesday.

B.C. government officials said in October the climate plan will be designed to meet legislated targets, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, 60 per cent by 2040 and 80 per cent by 2050.

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