Dear Editor,
Re: “Lack of leadership on climate change,” Letters, May 14.
I feel compelled to respond to Mr. Ranjan’s letter. When the communications director of one of my past opponents makes erroneous claims about our government’s record on climate change, it’s important to set the record straight.
First, I want to congratulate Richmond and all local governments that are making the effort to become carbon neutral, as local governments have influence over about 40 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the province.
As part of B.C.’s Climate Action Plan, my government and the Union of B.C. Municipalities established the voluntary B.C. Climate Action Charter. This charter commits local governments to be carbon neutral in their corporate operations, measure their community-wide GHG emissions, create complete, compact and energy efficient communities.
And the B.C. Climate Action Charter has been a success, with 96 per cent of all local governments signing-on. In turn our government supports their efforts by returning 100 per cent of carbon tax dollars to these governments. Since 2008, this has amounted to nearly $33 million.
Under Premier Christy Clark’s leadership, our government has introduced a number of climate actions, including renewing the Clean Energy Vehicle Program, saving car buyers money, and expanding the Carbon Neutral Capital Program to include health authorities and public post-secondary institutions.
And just last month, she briefed world leaders at a World Bank-International Monetary Fund meeting in Washington, D.C. about our province’s admired and successful revenue neutral carbon tax.
To meet B.C.’s legislated 2020 and 2050 emissions reduction targets, Premier Clark announced earlier this month a new Climate Leadership Team to provide advice and recommendations to government as we develop a new Climate Leadership Plan by spring 2016.
B.C. is recognized as a world leader in climate action and all British Columbians should be proud of their efforts.
John Yap, MLA
Richmond-Steveston
