Notley heading to Washington, D.C., to extol Alberta’s climate-change plan

EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says she is going to Washington, D.C., this week to spread the word on her government’s climate-change plan.

Notley says Alberta taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint is a story that needs to be emphasized with decision-makers and those with reach and influence.

“This is simply about going to Washington to … improve Alberta’s reputation and educate people about the changes we are bringing about through the climate leadership plan,” Notley said Tuesday.

“Alberta is not the Alberta that they thought of a year ago, or two years ago, or three years ago. And the more we can (emphasize) that, the more that helps us (in) finding new markets around the world.”

It’s a whirlwind trip.

The premier is to fly out Wednesday for two days of meetings with elected representatives, administration officials and public policy think-tanks.

She is also to meet with David MacNaughton, Canadian ambassador to the United States, as well as have a briefing with Gitane De Silva, Alberta’s representative in Washington.

Her final appearance will be a speech at the Center for Canadian Studies at John Hopkins University.

Alberta’s climate-change plan outlines steps to cap oilsands emissions, eliminate coal-fired electricity and introduce a broad-based carbon tax.

Notley has said when others see that Alberta is serious about environmental protection, it gives the province more credibility when it advocates for fossil-fuel infrastructure such as pipelines.

The premier has been advocating for a pipeline to the coast so that Alberta oil can fetch a better price overseas rather than receiving a discounted price from the U.S. as its sole customer.

Notley said the trip is not about the Keystone XL pipeline, which would take Alberta crude to Gulf coast ports and refineries in Texas.

U.S. President Barack Obama rejected Keystone last November.