Government of B.C. seeks feedback on Net-Zero New Industry Intentions Paper

On Thursday, July 20, 2023, the Clean Growth Branch at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy hosted a webinar on the implementation of the Net-Zero New Industry Intentions Paper. The purpose of the webinar was to provide an overview of the proposed policies, answer questions and to hear feedback. The Climate Action Secretariat (CAS) is inviting feedback on the proposed  policy until August 15, 2023. Review the highlights below and please consider providing feedback before the deadline.

Submit your feedback

Background: 

• Commitment to require that all new large industrial facilities develop a plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050
• New Energy Action Framework (NEAF), which among other commitments, requires all proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in or entering the Environmental Assessment (EA) process to pass an emissions test with a credible plan to be net-zero by 2030.

Proposed amendments to Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act (GGIRCA): 

• new, large industrial facilities to achieve net-zero emissions in 2050 (2030 for LNG projects) and every year thereafter
• develop a net-zero plan detailing how the facility will achieve net-zero emissions and demonstrate alignment with 2030 and 2040 targets
• an analysis of best available technologies (BATs) / best environmental practices (BEPs) considered, including a rationale for technologies or practices not being adopted
• approval of the plan by CAS before the project may be issued with an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) or other project approvals
• review and update of the approved plan every 5 years

Scope:

• Emissions associated with generation of purchased electricity, heat, steam, and hydrogen must also be considered

Compliance options: 

• In order to mitigate residual emissions, some facilities may be able to adopt CCS technology on site.
• To provide some flexibility, the Province is also considering offering additional compliance options:
  • The purchase of high-quality offsets (compliant with BC-eligible, internationally recognized standards)
  • Or compliance payments
  Net-Zero Content Plan Requirements
  
  
  • Timebound: must be able to demonstrate ability to meet 2030, 2040 and 2050 targets (current, near horizon, future operation)
  • Measurable: must have milestones on expected GHG emissions and project phases for tracking
  • Evergreen: must be a living document and be reviewed and updated at least every 5 years including current BATs/BEPs
  
  Timeline for Consultation & Policy Release: 
• June 2023 – consultation notification
• Engagement closes August 15^th
• September 15^th – Indigenous Consultation closes
• Fall – Policy finalizations
• Spring 2024 – Introduction of legislation
  

Suggested Questions/Feedback:

• The Province is seeking input on whether net-zero policy should also be applied to expansions of existing facilities. Why or why not?
• How should the assessment of technical and economic feasibility of BAT/BEP be conducted and updated over time?
• What should be the minimum expectations for a new facility’s immediate adoption of clean fuels and technologies in their net-zero plans?
• What should be the implications/consequences for a facility if their net-zero plans are behind schedule or not implemented?
• What type of offsets should be eligible as a compliance option?
• Should compliance payments be used as a compliance option? Why or why not?

We strongly encourage you to provide your feedback to Clean BC and contact us with any questions on how your compliance may be affected by the proposed changes.

Related: 

Government of B.C. seeks feedback on Output-Based Pricing Sytem

What is CIIP? An FAQ for the CleanBC Industrial Incentive Program