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Climate action gets new teeth with accountability act

Nov. 6, 2019 – Better accountability, transparency and more detailed targets for climate action in B.C. will be mandated under a new Climate Change Accountability Act.

“We’re committed to meeting our climate targets and making sure our CleanBC plan gets us to where we need to go – that means being honest and transparent about our progress to make sure people can determine we’re on the right track,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “People across this province, and especially young people, are demanding we take the climate crisis seriously and that we make sure everyone works together to secure a stronger, cleaner future. That’s why we will work with communities, people and industry to put in place targets for each sector. What’s more, we’re mandating that the steps we’re taking are reported to the public every year, by law.”

To make sure the Province is on track for long-term legislated emissions reductions, government will be required to set an interim emissions target on the path to the legislated 2030 target – which is 40% in greenhouse gas reductions below 2007 levels. Separate 2030 sectoral targets will also be established following engagement with stakeholders, Indigenous peoples and communities throughout the province. This will make sure carbon pollution is reduced effectively across B.C.’s economy, homes, workplaces and transportation choices.

The recently tabled legislation includes new reporting requirements on actions to reduce carbon pollution, their cost and how they will achieve government’s legislated emission-reduction targets. The annual reports will outline the latest emissions data and projections, as well as actions planned for future years and the effect they are expected to have.

“As a climate scientist, I know that transparent, accurate, timely and publicly accessible data is crucial to achieving our climate commitments,” said Andrew Weaver, leader of the BC Green Party. “The amendments included in this act add real credibility to our province’s efforts, and I am grateful to have been able to collaborate with Minister Heyman and his team on its development.”

Additional legislative changes will establish an independent advisory committee that will be modelled on the Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council, now that the council has fulfilled its mandate.

“B.C. is showing what it takes to design a strong climate plan and turn it into action – and with this new accountability framework, the government is taking another important step,” said Merran Smith, former co-chair of the Climate Solutions and Clean Growth Advisory Council. “These changes will put government transparency and accountability into law and will ensure a diverse group of independent voices continue to contribute to future decisions that help meet B.C.’s emissions goals and build a cleaner economy.”

In addition, the legislative changes give government the ability to set more detailed targets and other environmental standards for publicly owned buildings and vehicle fleets to help reduce emissions, improve environmental performance and save money in the long run.

CleanBC sets a pathway to a stronger, brighter future by reducing carbon pollution and creating opportunities throughtout the province. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

For more information
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2019