The federal and provincial governments have signed a memorandum of understanding on the electrification of the gas sector. Photo: Karen Tam Wu, Pembina Institute
VANCOUVER / MUSQUEAM, SQUAMISH & TSLEIL-WAUTUTH TERRITORIES — Karen Tam Wu, B.C. director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to today’s announcement by the governments of Canada and B.C. of a memorandum of understanding on electrification in northeast B.C.:
“Bringing electricity to B.C.’s gas fields is essential to reducing carbon pollution from upstream gas operations, so today’s commitment in support of electrification from both governments is a positive move. However, we must ensure that all developments, including LNG projects, do not undermine B.C.’s ability to meet its climate goals.
“Electrification will be key to the natural gas sector addressing its status as B.C.’s largest source of industrial carbon pollution, and doing its share to bend the curve so the industry reduces its emissions rather than allowing them to increase. To have any credible chance of achieving B.C.’s climate targets, carbon pollution from the gas sector must be brought down significantly.
“Concerted climate policies, regulations, and funding by the federal and provincial governments are key to tackling carbon pollution and protecting our climate. We look forward to seeing both governments follow through with dollars and the full suite of complementary actions.”
Quick facts
- B.C.’s gas sector accounts for 11.7 million tonnes (Mt CO2e) of annual carbon pollution, or 19 per cent of the province’s total emissions.
- The gas sector is B.C.’s largest source of industrial emissions and is forecasted to grow further with LNG development.
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Contact
Stephen Hui
Senior communications lead, Pembina Institute
778-987-7654
stephenh@pembina.org
Tw: @StephenHui
Background
Backgrounder: A Clean Energy Plan for B.C.
Backgrounder: Limiting Methane Pollution from B.C.’s Gas Sector
Report: Risks to Water and Public Health from Unconventional Gas in B.C.
Backgrounder: Liquefied Natural Gas, Carbon Pollution, and British Columbia in 2017
About the Pembina Institute
The Pembina Institute is a non-profit think-tank that advocates for strong, effective policies to support Canada’s clean energy transition. We have offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Ottawa. Learn more: www.pembina.org