Alberta’s new climate plan targets 30% renewable energy integration by 2030

“More renewable energy in Alberta will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, clean the air, and produce significant new investment and jobs – particularly in rural areas of the province”.

The provincial government estimated that the plan, including a pledge to phase out pollution from coal-fired electricity generation by 2030 and limit emissions from the oil-sands industry, would generate $2.25 billion in annual revenue.

Goals for the program include setting a target for 2030, in which renewable energy sources would make up 30% of Alberta’s electricity production.

Notley said the money will be used to help the province become a green economy and include rebates for lower and middle income earners, money to help small businesses, efforts to help industries such as coal adversely affected by the transition, and money to develop renewable resources.

In two instances, the climate change panel’s report suggests the province’s royalty review panel will account for the additional costs of the carbon taxes when recommending how to change royalties charged to oil and gas companies in Alberta.

Canada’s tar sands industry has been widely criticised as one of the world’s largest single sources of carbon emissions, with environmental campaigners warning the sector is responsible for some of the most carbon intensive oil on the planet.

“We want to hear from them on this matter and we will be bringing forward a plan that is a precursor to budget 2016”, she said.

The Alberta cabinet also announced a drastic reduction in the amount of carbon emissions it would permit to be emitted from oil sands.

The tax will cost the average Alberta family an extra $320 in 2017 and $470 in 2018.

“We are going to do our part to address one of the world’s greatest problems”, said Alberta Premier, Rachel Notley.

Wildrose leader Brian Jean says during the election, the NDP assured Albertans higher taxes for businesses and the wealthy would be enough to solve Alberta’s fiscal situation.

“Alberta is back when it comes to taking energy efficiency seriously”.

“There really aren’t that many Albertans who will be hit hard in the pocketbook”, said Notley. The sands now contribute about 70 megatons annually, but they are growing rapidly.

As for changes to the carbon price and the cap on oil sands, “the details are going to matter a lot and we’re keen to be at the table”, he said.

As the rest of the world prepares for the Paris climate talks, clean energy champions are lauding Alberta’s initiative.

It’s all very nice that Trudeau met with the premiers Monday to discuss climate change and that he’s invited them to attend next week’s United Nations climate change summit with him in Paris.

“What we’ve put together is a recommended policy package that compares favourably with policy packages in any jurisdiction globally, and certainly in North America”.

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.