Earlier this year, British Columbia launched an Independent Review of CleanBC programs “to ensure they are effectively reducing emissions, while making life more affordable and supporting a strong economy.”
This week, the Province released a final report following a thorough review of the official climate action plan.
B.C has “emerged as a national and even global leader that punches above its weight in climate and clean energy technology innovation,” according to the report, titled “Rising to the Moment: Renewing CleanBC to improve affordability, strengthen the economy, and ensure a cleaner future.”
Maintaining this leadership, however, “will require continued investment in infrastructure and innovation with a focus on leveraging public dollars to secure private dollars,” the report reads. “Predictable capital pathways, including government’s role in supporting them, are needed—from company formation through scale- up—to build and retain the next generation of companies, jobs, and industrial capacity.”
The review was led by independent climate-policy experts Merran Smith and Dan Woynillowicz, and was informed by feedback from people and communities throughout the province, including industry partners, non-profits, and the Climate Solutions Council.
“I am incredibly grateful to Merran and Dan for their work in putting together this significant review,” stated Adrian Dix, the Province’s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
British Columbia “continues to be a leader on climate action because we put people first,” according to Dix.
“Our plan going forward will be focused on delivering the outcomes we need for our economy and our communities and today’s report will help us build on that plan,” minister Dix remarked.
Recommendations from the report include accelerating clean electricity production, upskilling the regional workforce for clean energy careers, and enhancing British Columbians’ access to efficient heating and cooling equipment for homes.
The report notes how these investments and innovations must come quickly as BC Hydro estimates that electricity demand will increase 15% by 2030 compared to 2021.
“The report is clear that we need to strengthen climate action in BC,” commented Jeremy Valeriote, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.