BUDGET 2019: BC government announces $902 million plan to lower emissions

The provincial government is allocating $902 million over three years towards its new CleanBC plan of reducing emissions across BC and further developing the green economy.

See also

• BC government unveils its long-term climate action plan
• BUDGET 2019: First Nations in BC to be given $3 billion for reconciliation
• BUDGET 2019: All interest on BC student loans eliminated
• BUDGET 2019: BC families to be provided up to $28,800 for child’s upbringing

This includes $354 million in new program funding, $26 million in capital funding for new initiatives, $223 million to boost the existing Climate Action Tax Credit (CATC) over three years, and $229 million as a contingency fund new specific initiatives still in development.

A significant amount of $107 million will go towards increasing incentives for purchasing zero-emission vehicles and expanding new public fast-charging and hydrogen fueling stations, with the goal of reaching 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2040.

A total of $42 million will allow the existing point-of-sale incentives for battery electric and hydrogen fuel vehicles to continue. Car owners in BC will be able to save up to $6,000 on the purchase of a zero-emission vehicle, and a further $1,500 per year in fuel costs as a result of switching to electricity.

Separately, a further $10 million is set aside as an incentive for freight trucks and heavy-duty port truck to switch to natural gas and low or zero-carbon vehicles.

The 2019 provincial budget also allocates $3 million towards the creation of new net-zero energy building code and energy standards that will make new buildings more efficient. The plan is to make the new net-zero building code applicable to all new buildings by 2032.

Other capital and operational funding is intended to help public housing buildings become more energy efficient and emission reducing.

Additionally, homeowners will be provided with up to $14,000 for home renovations that switch to high-efficiency heating equipment and to make building envelopes better insulated.

The increase to the Climate Action Tax Credit will be effective on July 1, 2019, with the maximum annual CATC rising by 14% for adults and children, which provides low and middle-income families of four with up to $400 this fiscal year. By 2021, the CATC will be about 70% higher than the credit’s rate in 2017.

Altogether, these initiatives and programs will help the province reach its greenhouse gas emission reductions target of 40% by the year 2030, based on 2007 levels.

“It’s not too late to do our part,” said BC Minister of Finance Carole James in her budget speech this afternoon. “We are reducing climate pollution by shifting homes, vehicles, and businesses away from fossil fuels, towards clean electricity, and other sources of renewable energy.”

“Clean BC will strengthen our province by opening doors to new, clean opportunities. BC is a destination for new investments and industries that share our goal of urgent climate action.”