Alberta’s government released the new environmental policy on Monday. A levy will be introduced to all greenhouse gas emissions starting in 2017. This is the first announcement that Alberta Environment has made about the policy change before the #COP21 conference in Paris this year.
Beginning in the new year, anyone who contributes to greenhouse gas emissions will be taxed $20 per ton in 2016, and eventually $30 per ton in 2017. Changes to everyday consumers will be realized most prominently at the gas pump and on one’s heating bill.
The changes are a welcome change in this historically inactive province; the announcement gained approval across the board from prominent climate change activists such as Al Gore to the heads of oil companies.
“Today’s announcement by Premier Notley that Alberta will put an economy-wide price on carbon, phase out coal and increase its commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency represents an inspiring addition to the legacy of leadership and forward thinking action by Canadian provinces to speed our transition to a low carbon economy. This is also another powerful signal — well-timed on the eve of the Paris negotiations — that humanity is beginning to win our struggle to solve the climate crisis.”
-Al Gore
Premier Notley Announces Alberta’s Climate Change Policy