Environment Minister Shannon Phillips introduced Bill 20, the Climate Leadership Implementation Act on Tuesday.
This proposed law implements key elements of Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan. It will create jobs by investing in a higher-value, lower-carbon, energy-efficient economy.
It will help Alberta do its part by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, and improving the energy efficiency of Alberta homes, businesses and public buildings.
Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan is widely supported in both the energy industry and in civil society. Alberta is taking its place as the leader on these issues.
“Our plan to reduce carbon pollution will diversify the economy, create jobs, protect the health of Albertans and erase any doubt about Alberta’s environmental record. It’s the right thing to do today and for future generations. Climate change denial is wrong for our economy and it’s wrong for our Alberta’s future.”
If passed, the proposed legislation would:
- Set in law Alberta’s carbon levy and carbon levy rebate
- Ensure revenue from the carbon levy is invested into actions that address climate change, and
- Establish Energy Efficiency Alberta
The $20 per tonne carbon levy will take effect on January 1, 2017. Every penny raised through the carbon levy will be reinvested in Alberta to reduce carbon pollution and provide rebates to help Albertans adjust. Sixty-six per cent of Alberta households will receive a full or partial rebate.
The legislation would also establish Energy Efficiency Alberta as the provincial agency that will develop and deliver provincial-scale energy efficiency and small scale renewable programs and services.
To launch programming in early 2017, the Alberta government is taking the steps it needs to get the agency up and running as quickly as possible.
In consultation with Albertans and stakeholders, the agency will design programs to help people better understand and manage their energy consumption and footprint, and reduce their overall energy costs.
Bill 20 would also amend the Corporate Tax Act, in order to reduce the small business tax rate, which will help small businesses adjust to the price of carbon. Effective January 1, 2017, the rate will be lowered from three per cent to two per cent.
The Act would also ensure the carbon price currently applied to large emitters could be invested to the benefit of all Albertans.
Alberta will continue to pursue technologies and initiatives that help large emitters reduce their carbon footprint.