B.C. cuts emissions, but faces challenges hitting climate targets

VICTORIA – Environment Minister Terry Lake says British Columbia is cutting harmful greenhouse gas emissions, but it faces challenges hitting its short-term and long-term climate targets.

Lake says B.C. has cut its emissions by 4.5 per cent since 2007, but he won’t guarantee hitting the interim reduction target of six per cent by the end of this year.

When it comes to reaching B.C.’s legislated target of cutting emissions by 33 per cent by 2020, Lake says it’s a challenge, but he still believes it can be done.

The minister says B.C.’s efforts to increase public transportation, improve building standards and promote clean energy will help the province achieve its emission reduction targets.

While the provincial government announced a review of the carbon tax in February, Lake says the government has no plans to get rid of the tax.

The carbon tax is set to go up by another penny on Canada Day to almost seven cent per litre of gasoline.