About why B.C. is the energy leader in Canada…

By Bill Bennett

Kootenay East MLA

1. B.C.’s carbon tax is paid by everyone in B.C., companies and individuals and is frozen at $30/ton GHG emissions. It is the only broadly applied, revenue-neutral carbon tax in Canada. Tax relief equal to the cost of the tax is given back to British Columbians. See province’s financial statements for verification. Last year, more tax relief was given back than carbon collected.

2. B.C.’s Renewable Fuels regulation requires all fuel suppliers to have a minimum of five per cent renewable content in gasoline and four per cent in diesel and to reduce carbon intensity by 10% in 2020. Last year, refiners exceeded renewable content minimums. This program reduces GHG emissions more than any other Canadian program and is the only such program in Canada. By 2020, the low-carbon fuel requirements are expected to result in the avoidance of 2.7 million tonnes of greenhouse gases annually.

3. B.C.’s Innovative Clean Energy Fund (collected from natural gas taxes) funds new, exciting technologies. BC Hydro’s Power Smart program provides incentives for energy conservation, including retrofitting buildings and replacing lighting. Health and education sectors benefit, as do individuals and businesses.

This message funded by Bill Bennett

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