Saint John, August 31 2018 – Tomorrow is the Federal government’s deadline for provinces to submit a plan to reduce their carbon footprint. Jennifer McKenzie presented the NDP plan for carbon reduction to Federal government and handed it to Wayne Long, MP for Saint John Rothesay earlier this morning.
“This is opportunity to lead, not fall behind. It’s about investing in our future. The NDP’s position on carbon reduction ensures citizens and businesses are supported so that New Brunswick can be a leader in green energy, green infrastructure, and green innovation.” – Jennifer McKenzie
Fighting the Federal government and not having a plan for carbon reduction is not in the best interest of New Brunswickers. A price on pollution is going to be happening, regardless of if the other parties want to pretend it’s not.
“NDP is ready, with a plan, one that will lower costs for New Brunswickers, one that puts funding right back into the economy, and one that has benefits for the public institutions we all use daily.” – Jennifer McKenzie
The NDP will introduce a Carbon Reduction Fund to help the province transition to green energy through the introduction of a $30/ton carbon reduction program to reach $ 50/ton after four years. Generated funds will go back to support people in New Brunswick as well as be used to invest in green energy, green infrastructure, and green innovation.
● One-third of the funds generated through this program would returned to low- and middle-income people in the form of a rebate.
● One-third of the funds would be invested in green energy such as wind, solar, tidal, hydro, nuclear, and geothermal, and the associated upgrading of the electrical infrastructure.
● The remaining one third of the funds would be invested in green infrastructure programs such as electrified public transit and the reintroduction of the popular energy efficiency savings program with an emphasis on targeting low-income households. The Carbon Reduction Fund will be used to create a green innovation fund for our own researchers and engineers to develop “Made in New Brunswick” green technology within public governmental and academic institutions.
The combined effect of the carbon reduction program and the investment in green infrastructure is expected to have a strong effect to transition New Brunswick to a carbon-free economy as quickly as possible. As New Brunswick transitions to greener sources of energy that have low fuel costs, the price of electricity should remain the same or be lowered creating a healthier economic environment for people and businesses alike.