CALGARY, Alberta-The government of oil-rich Alberta province in western Canada on Sunday pledged to phase out coal emissions by 2030, limit greenhouse gases from oil-sands production and implement an economywide carbon tax.
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Noting that the climate change impact of methane is 25 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, the Plan contemplates a 45-percent reduction in methane emissions in Alberta by 2025.
The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) applauds the Alberta government for its commitment to use new clean, reliable, and cost-effective renewable energy to replace two-thirds of the electricity now produced by coal-fired electricity generation in Alberta’s electricity supply mix. “It will help us access new markets for our energy products, and diversify our economy with renewable energy and energy efficiency technology”.
The Alberta government estimates the phased-in carbon tax will amount to roughly $470 in increased heating, electricity and transportation costs for an average household in 2018, assuming that household consumes the same amount of fossil fuels as it did in 2015.
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard said Paris presents an opportunity to “rebrand” Canada.
The plan makes Alberta one of the leading jurisdictions in the world on fighting climate change, a unique position given the province’s dependence on oil sands, one of the most carbon-intensive petroleum varieties in the world in terms of lifecycle emissions.
Notley’s proposal will rouse an anticipated meeting in Ottawa on Monday between newly-elected prime minister Justin Trudeau and provincial leaders to strike a game plan for a United Nations climate summit next week.
Despite the regulatory shake-up, industry representatives offered support.
British Columbia Premier Christy Clark said the worldwide focus on the oilsands has obscured measures provinces have been taking to combat climate change, including B.C.’s carbon tax which she labelled the best in the world. Still, they need to see some evidence of action, particularly on Alberta’s oil sands, which have turned Canada into an global environmental pariah.
The province expects to collect about $3 billion a year from the tax as of 2018, with hikes in power and electricity bills and the cost of gas at the pump.
Previously, both environmentalists and energy executives have applauded the NDP climate policy as recognizing the need for balance between the environment and the economy.
But the province’s oil sands industry is also the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. “This new carbon tax will make nearly every single Alberta family poorer, while accelerated plans to shut down coal plants will lead to higher power prices and further jobs losses”, said Brian Jean, Leader of the province’s Wildrose opposition party.
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Ms. Notley pointed to the “kick in the teeth” from U.S. President Barack Obama on Keystone XL a few weeks ago as a strong signal for this country to act to mitigate climate change – an undeniable reality despite the U.S. leader’s hypocrisy on the issue.
