New energy action framework to cap emissions, electrify the clean economy (flickr.com)

Media Contacts

James Smith

Deputy Communications Director
Office of the Premier
jimmy.smith@gov.bc.ca

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Media Relations
250 387-5710

Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation

Media Relations
250 208-2743

Backgrounders

Energy Action Framework background

The New Energy Action Framework builds on actions outlined in CleanBC to drive clean economic growth, while helping the province meet its legislated climate targets.

In March 2021, B.C. became the first province in Canada to set sectoral targets covering emissions across the economy. The oil and gas industry is currently responsible for around 50% of industrial emissions and 20% of B.C.’s total emissions. The sectoral target for the oil and gas industry aims to reduce emissions 33% to 38% below 2007 levels by 2030. The CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 committed that the Province would implement policies and programs to ensure the oil and gas sector meets its sectoral targets.

The Province has legislative authority under the Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act to regulate emissions from industry. Starting in April, the Province will launch engagements with First Nations, industry, labour, environmental organizations, local governments and other stakeholders on the final design of the regulatory cap on oil and gas sector emissions, including on issues like how the cap will be allocated, credit trading, and verifiable offsets. Consultations will be complete before the end of the year and the Province intends to implement the regulatory cap as soon as possible to provide the public and industry with certainty.

The federal government has also committed to implementing a nationwide cap on oil and gas sector emissions as part of Canada’s climate plan.

Under the Province’s framework announced today, proposed LNG facilities in B.C. will be required to have a credible plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030 in order to proceed through the environmental assessment process. This may involve adopting best-in-class technology to reduce emissions as much as possible and offsetting their remaining emissions through high-quality, verified carbon offset projects. This new requirement will help ensure that proposed LNG facilities meet the Province’s condition that LNG development fits within B.C.’s legislated climate targets.

The Clean Energy and Major Projects Office will help attract private-sector investment and lead clean energy development in B.C. It will be established by late spring within the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, and will work across government to help clean energy projects - including hydrogen, biofuels and renewable natural gas - navigate regulatory processes, access provincial programs, and reach final investment decision. There are currently 50 proposed projects in the hydrogen sector in B.C., representing over $7 billion in potential investment. It will also continue to monitor implementation of already approved projects to make sure they are benefiting British Columbians.

The new BC Hydro task force will ensure B.C. is well positioned to electrify B.C.’s economy and industry as the province transitions to a clean-energy future. It will accelerate the planning and procurement of new infrastructure needed to power B.C.’s economy with clean electricity instead of fossil fuels, while keeping rates affordable. It will also identify and advance Indigenous ownership opportunities in future electricity generation and transmission investments. The task force will include senior officials from the Province and BC Hydro, Indigenous representation and independent expertise.