British Columbia’s new energy action framework to cap emissions, LNG facilities in focus

Canada’s province British Columbia has a new energy action framework that is expected to cap emissions and create new opportunities for people in clean energy and technology.

According to BC’s government, under this new framework, the province will require all proposed LNG facilities in or entering the environmental assessment (EA) process to pass an emissions test with a credible plan to be net zero by 2030.

It will also put in place a regulatory emissions cap for the oil and gas industry, establish a clean-energy and major projects office to fast-track investment in clean energy and technology and create sustainable jobs in the transition to a cleaner economy, as well as create a BC hydro task force to accelerate the electrification of BC’s economy by powering more homes, businesses, and industries with renewable electricity.

Premier David Eby stated: “Our new energy action framework will help us meet our climate targets and build a better future for all British Columbians, especially our kids and grandkids, in a clean-energy economy.”

“Our work on the climate crisis and our commitment to the next generation requires everyone, including the oil and gas sector, to do their part to reduce emissions. It also requires us to forge a new path forward with clean-energy projects that people and communities can count on. We can and must do both.”

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, commented: “We are committed to taking urgent and innovative actions to fight the climate emergency with a comprehensive plan across all sectors… The framework will provide strong, enforceable emissions reduction requirements to make sure we hit our targets and provide predictability for the industry.”

Christine Kennedy, President of Woodfibre LNG, thanked the BC government, noting: “For Woodfibre LNG, our partnership with Indigenous groups and our goal to be the world’s first net-zero LNG facility demonstrates that LNG can be produced responsibly and sustainably to meet the objectives highlighted in today’s announcement.”

This new framework builds on the recent approval of Cedar LNG, a Haisla Nation-led project that is expected to be the largest First Nations majority-owned infrastructure project in Canada.

According to BC government, the project will be one of the lowest-emitting facilities of its kind in the world, and the province will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Haisla Nation to help achieve further climate objectives, including exploring ways to enhance environmental performance and lower emissions to near zero by 2030.

Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, said: “Our province is on the frontlines of climate change and seeing the impacts of record wildfires, heat waves, and flooding on people and communities. British Columbians have made it clear that we need to meet our climate targets and move forward as a clean energy leader.”

“Our new energy action framework will provide certainty for industry, create good jobs, and build a clean economy that works better for people, respects First Nations, and protects the climate.”