Victoria, BC – Today, the BC Government announced that it is launching a review of CleanBC to assess our emissions targets, overall climate policy, and the path toward a low-carbon future in the province.
The CleanBC review is required under the 2024 Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord (CARGA), and the BC Greens are pleased to see it moving forward. This process offers a chance to reflect honestly on this province’s efforts and outcomes so far, successful or not, so meaningful steps can be taken by the province to meet our climate goals.
“We need to be clear-eyed about what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can move faster toward a low-carbon, sustainable future for everyone in B.C.,” said Interim BC Green Party Leader Jeremy Valeriote, MLA for West Vancouver–Sea to Sky. “As was made evident in last week’s Climate Change Accountability Report, B.C. is not on track to meet its climate targets. A course correction is urgently needed and this review presents a real opportunity for the government to make that happen. With every crisis comes an opportunity. ”
The review will be led by independent climate policy experts Merran Smith and Dan Woynillowicz. The BC Greens are hopeful that the experts’ recommendations will include bold, actionable steps for the government to get the province back on track, including identifying new emissions reduction policies such as an oil and gas emissions cap, a review of the output-based carbon pricing system, and measures to ensure openness, transparency, and accountability for climate policies.
“We trust the reviewers to deliver a strong, evidence-based path forward that reflects the urgency of the climate crisis and the opportunities ahead. But it’s up to the government to decide whether to follow it,” said Valeriote. “B.C. has long claimed to be a climate leader. This is the time to show that we mean it. If we want to stay competitive in the global clean energy economy, while meeting our environmental obligations, we need to accelerate our efforts to commit to climate action.”
Investing in clean energy, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure will create jobs, boost innovation, and build long-term prosperity in this province. The future of climate leadership in British Columbia depends on the decisions made in the months ahead.
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Media contact
Ryan Hook
Press Secretary
BC Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | ryan.hook@leg.bc.ca