VICTORIA — British Columbia has introduced a plan to reach its legislated target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 with initiatives like slashing the number of kilometres driven and boosting the carbon tax.
The new plan sets a target of 10,000 public electric vehicle charging stations by 2030 and calls for the electrification of public transit and ferry fleets.
It would provide local governments with cash for climate change initiatives.
The strategy includes increasing the price of carbon pollution by meeting or exceeding the 2019 federal benchmark of $170 per tonne starting in 2023 through taxes consumers would pay on fuel and goods as well as by industry that emits carbon dioxide.
The strategy also calls for the elimination of methane emissions by 2030 and requires the government to produce an annual accountability report setting out the province’s progress.
Premier John Horgan says the effects of climate change are all around us, from wildfires to heat waves, and it demands greater urgency.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 25, 2021.
The Canadian Press
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