Renewable Energy and Clean TechnologyRenewable Energy and Clean Technology Group e-LERT - The Western Climate Change InitiativePublished: 05/13/2011 By Stuart English, Colin Ground The Western Climate Change Initiative (WCI), comprised of seven U.S. states (Arizona, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Washington) and four Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec), aims to undertake a regional approach to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions in the region to 15% below 2005 levels by 2020. The program, which initially called for an aggressive carbon cap-and-trade system to mitigate climate change, is to be launched on January 1, 2012. Despite the willingness of the WCI jurisdictions to collaboratively develop a regional strategy for reducing GHG emissions, the program is facing significant setbacks. British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario recently stated they are not willing to join the WCI emissions trading program by the launch date of January 1, 2012. British Columbia’s new Premier has requested more time to re-evaluate the impact of the WCI’s program on the province, specifically to ensure the initiative will not undermine British Columbia’s competitiveness in the marketplace. Ontario and Manitoba are committed to joining the cap-and-trade system sometime after the implementation date but only following further study and public consultation. Critics, however, say Ontario’s decision to delay joining the carbon trading network has more to do with the provincial election in the Fall, rather than the need for further study. For further information regarding this matter, please contact James Ayres or any member of our Renewable Energy and Clean Technology Group. |