Today the government introduced Bill 28: Zero-emission vehicles act. This bill sets into law the zero-emission vehicle mandate that was announced in the fall as part of the CleanBC economic agenda. It further outlines a credit/debit system, similar to what exists in California, that will allow new vehicle car dealers to meet the provincial compliance targets. In particular, the bill legislates that:

“(a) in 2025 and in each subsequent year, at least 10% of all new light-duty motor vehicles sold or leased in British Columbia must be zero-emission vehicles;

(b) in 2030 and in each subsequent year, at least 30% of all new light-duty motor vehicles sold or leased in British Columbia must be zero-emission vehicles;

(c) in 2040 and in each subsequent year, 100% of all new light-duty motor vehicles sold or leased in British Columbia must be zero-emission vehicles.”

Below is the media release we issued in support of this bill.

Media Release

B.C. zero-emission vehicle standard is CleanBC in action
For immediate release
April 10, 2019

VICTORIA, B.C. – Today’s announcement of a ZEV standard marks a critical step towards creating a low carbon, innovative economy free from dependency on fossil fuels, and the implementation of a key piece of the B.C. Green’s vision that they have pushed for since the start of this minority government.

“I am thrilled that B.C. is adopting a rigorous zero-emission vehicle mandate,” said Dr. Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Green caucus. “Climate change is the biggest threat facing our province, and, after B.C. NDP just doubled down on the crisis by adding 3.45 million tonnes of emissions from the first phase of LNG alone, we must do everything we can to decrease our emissions elsewhere. This legislation is one way CleanBC empowers each of us to do our part. Transportation makes up 40 per cent of B.C.’s household emissions. By improving the affordability and accessibility of clean vehicles we are helping support British Columbians who make the shift towards zero-emission vehicles.

“But we must follow through with this initiative to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to support the added demand this creates. Government needs to invest in more charging stations, especially in rural areas and throughout Northern B.C., and incentives should be given to homeowners to install generators to capture and store leftover electricity.

“Establishing a ZEV standard is a flagship program; it gives people the power to do their part to fight climate change and it drives the advancement of a modern economy. It would not exist without the work of my caucus and I in making the CleanBC a priority for this government. However, it is deeply counterproductive that such important policy is advanced at the same time as the B.C. NDP have chosen to set us farther down the wrong path with new tax credits for fossil fuel companies.

“Governments continue to think they can have it both ways, but our coastal communities feel the pressure from impending sea level rise and British Columbians know that their country is taking the brunt of climate change with warming rates twice the global average. B.C. can and should be positioned as a leader in sustainable technologies and renewable energy. Our caucus will continue to force change for the betterment of our province and future generations.”

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Media contact
Macon McGinley, Press Secretary
+1 250-882-6187 macon.mcginley@leg.BC.ca