VICTORIA — Dan Woynillowicz, deputy director at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to the B.C. government’s 2020 budget:
“Taking action to cut carbon pollution and seize opportunities in climate change solutions requires a sustained effort, day after day and year after year. In that sense, every provincial budget needs to be a climate budget, and the B.C. government and the BC Green Party understand this.
“Today’s budget builds on last year’s budget, sustaining efforts to translate the CleanBC plan into tangible actions that will help British Columbians not only cut carbon pollution, but also lower their energy bills.
“As CleanBC’s inaugural accountability report illustrates, British Columbians are already seeing the benefits of government’s efforts, from surging electric car sales in the province—now the highest per capita in the country—to increases in energy efficiency and transit ridership.”
KEY FACTS
- An additional $419 million has been allocated for CleanBC’s implementation, in addition to the $902 million announced in the 2019 budget. New funding announced today includes:
- $35 million to support clean transportation, which includes $20 million for the Go Electric BC program, $5 million for home and workplace charging stations, $5 million in incentives for zero-emission buses and heavy duty vehicles, and $2 million for new public fast-charging and hydrogen fuelling stations
- $106 million to support building efficiency in public schools, universities, colleges and hospitals
- $155 million to continue the CleanBC Program for Industry
- $120 million to continue Climate Action Tax Credits
- $3 million to support B.C.’s Climate Adaptation and Preparedness Strategy
- British Columbians will have sustained support to increase their access to clean energy solutions like clean cars, which can help cut pollution and enhance affordability, including up to $3,000 toward the purchase of a zero-emission vehicle which can reduce fuel costs by approximately $1,500 per year.
- B.C. was the first province in Canada to reach double-digit sales for electric vehicles: 10% of all car sales as of Q3 2019.
RESOURCES
Op-Ed | Western Canada’s great energy story is being written in B.C.
Release | New B.C. climate council ushers era of accountability
Release | CleanBC marks a turning point for B.C.’s environment and economy
Release | Easier access to electric cars will save B.C. drivers money and cut pollution
