Province Introduces Clean Energy Act

By 250 News

Victoria, B.C.- The Province has introduced new legislation it says will be the foundation for “a new future of electricity self sufficiency, job creation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”

Bill 17 advances 16 specific energy objectives by expediting clean energy  investments, protecting B.C. ratepayers, ensuring competitive rates, encouraging conservation, strengthening environmental protection and aggressively promoting regional job creation and First Nations' involvement in clean electricity development opportunities.

"The new Clean Energy Act opens the way to an exciting new age of economic growth and job creation by unleashing British Columbia's full potential in clean energy, power smart technologies, environmental stewardship and climate action," said Premier Gordon Campbell.

 The Act  is set out in three areas:

1. Ensuring Electricity Self-Sufficiency at Low Rates;

Offers a new regulatory framework for long-term electricity planning, commitments to clean and renewable electricity generation, streamlined approval processes, and new measures to promote electricity efficiency and

conservation. It also strengthens protection for B.C. ratepayers.

 2. Harnessing B.C.'s Clean-Power Potential to Create Jobs in Every Region

The act will provide BC Hydro and renewable power producers the tools necessary to establish British Columbia as a clean-energy powerhouse that enables economic growth and job creation in every region. Key measures include:

* Ensuring projects ( including the Site C project and Highway 37 Transmission Line) will not be subject to unnecessary  lengthy and costly processes before the B.C. Utilities Commission, but  will still be subject to environmental assessments and ensuring the  Crown's obligations to First Nations are met

3. Strengthening Environmental Stewardship and Reducing Greenhouse Gases

The act enshrines in law measures the Province will take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help customers save money through conservation and protect the environment.

For more information on the Clean Energy Act go to www.gov.bc.ca/cleanenergyact.

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