Government of British Columbia launches independent review of CleanBC climate programs; province seeks to reduce emissions while economy, population growth increase pressure on targets

May 7, 2025 (press release) – NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release
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May 7, 2025 Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions CleanBC review launched to strengthen climate action, results for people

VICTORIA – The Province is launching an independent review of CleanBC programs to ensure they are effectively reducing emissions, while making life more affordable and supporting a strong economy.

CleanBC is B.C.’s road map for cutting climate pollution and building a cleaner, more sustainable future. It has helped people and businesses switch to cleaner energy, supported industrial decarbonization and expanded access to electric vehicles and renewable power.

B.C.’s population and economy have grown rapidly, which is putting upward pressure on emissions. The 2024 Climate Change Accountability Report shows that while emissions per person and per unit of GDP are down, total emissions remain steady. B.C. is not on track to meet its 2025 and 2030 targets. The review will help ensure the CleanBC plan reflects current realities and keeps the province on course toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

“British Columbians expect strong climate action that also works for people today,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “This review is about making sure our plan is focused, effective and delivering the outcomes we need - for our economy, our communities and the future we all share. We’re building on the progress CleanBC has made, while being honest about where we need to go further.”

The review will be led by independent climate policy experts Merran Smith and Dan Woynillowicz. They will assess how well existing programs and policies are working, examine B.C.’s climate targets and recommend improvements. As part of their work, they will engage with Indigenous Peoples, local governments, the Climate Solutions Council, industry and stakeholders throughout B.C.

“This review is a critical opportunity to strengthen climate action in B.C. We need to be clear-eyed about what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can move faster toward a low-carbon, sustainable future for everyone in this province,” said Jeremy Valeriote, interim BC Green leader, and MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. “We’re pleased to support the review and hopeful it will lead to the bold climate action this province needs.”

The review is being undertaken one year ahead of schedule, as outlined in the 2024 Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord between the B.C. government and the BC Green caucus. The final report will be released publicly in late fall 2025.

Learn More:

For information about CleanBC Review terms of reference, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/CleanBCTermsofReference.pdfTerms of Reference: Independent Review of CleanBC 1 PURPOSE Under the Agreement in Principle – Term Sheet for Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord (CARGA), government committed to “initiate and complete a review of CleanBC in 2025.” The purpose of this review is to examine, evaluate and update current climate targets, and recommend policies, programs and initiatives to achieve significant emissions reductions in the province to meet these updated targets. 2 SCOPE The review will consider and make recommendations to government on the following areas: • Climate Targets • Review the 2030 sectoral emissions reduction targets • Review B.C.’s legislated 2030, 2040, and 2050 targets, and update based on current scientific understanding; consider setting interim emissions targets to maintain progress • Advise on establishing targets a reporting and accountability mechanism for emissions not currently covered by CleanBC • Climate Policy • Review progress and limitations of the core climate policies (i.e., legislation and regulations) including but not limited to CleanBC (2018), the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 (2021), and subsequent and associated policies and guidelines, such as the Energy Action Framework, oil and gas emissions cap, and Output-Based Pricing System • Identify new emissions reduction policies, legislation, programs, initiatives, and measures to ensure achievement of updated emissions reduction targets • CleanBC Programs • Review progress on and limitations of the core climate programs’ effectiveness and funding envelopes including but not limited to CleanBC (2018), the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 (2021) and subsequent and associated programs • CleanBC Public reporting and accountability • Review and recommend measures to ensure openness, transparency and accountability for core climate policies • Strengthen and enhance reporting and accountability measures, including but not limited to the Climate Change Accountability Act and emissions forecasting and modelling procedures Page 1 of 3 3 TIMELINE AND MILESTONES The review will be submitted and completed by October 15, 2025. Per the CARGA, the report will be released publicly within 45 days of completion. An interim draft will be reviewed by Government and the Green Caucus by September 1, 2025. 4 MEMBERSHIP The review will be led by a Panel consisting of two co-authors: • Merran Smith • Dan Woynillowicz Panel members will be compensated for their work on the panel and any expenses incurred while conducting their analysis. The Panel will have a project budget. Any substitutions to authors will be agreed upon by the Minister and the BC Green Caucus. 5 ENGAGEMENT The review will be supported by advice and feedback from: • Public engagement • Targeted stakeholder engagement including industrial operators and industry associations, investors, environmental non-government organizations, climate and economic experts and academics, local governments, labour organizations, and other climate leaders in B.C. • First Nations rights and title holders and Indigenous leadership The panel will also seek feedback on priorities and recommendations from the Minister’s Climate Solutions Council. The panel will produce a work plan for review and approval by the Government and Green Caucus within 30 days of appointment. The panel will report back within 30 days of initiation of their review to the Minister and the Green Caucus on their planned engagement approach. 6 GOVERNANCE Panel members will consult closely with B.C.’s Climate Solutions Council. Any communications about the review process from Government and from the Green Caucus will be approved by all Parties before publication. The panel will provide regular updates to Government and the Green Caucus. Meetings will be coordinated by the Climate Action Secretariat and the Premier’s office support. Dispute resolution will follow the guidelines outlined in the CARGA. Page 2 of 3 7 RESOURCES The Climate Action Secretariat with the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions, will provide administrative and informational support to the panel by: • Acting as Secretariat for the panel members and in panel meetings with government and the Green Caucus; • Coordinating access to ministry technical experts and technical information as needed; and • Supporting and coordinating engagement processes for the panel. The panel members will not receive a budget allocation to complete the review. However, the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions will provide additional resources at the request of the Panel and on the recommendation the Minister and the Green Caucus. Any expenses to be covered under the review process must be requested and approved by the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions. 8 CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND CONFIDENTIALITY Panel members, Green Caucus members and staff, and government, will consider all information shared in the course of the review strictly confidential unless otherwise agreed, and will avoid all conflicts of interest, whether real or perceived. Page 3 of 3

A backgrounder follows.