Thoughts on BC Politics and More

I’m not sure about the math on this, but still trying to figure out how our BC NDP government is making it easier for BC residents to get into an electric vehicle??   Latest BC government news story states that: With BC residents being so eager to get behind the wheel of a clean energy vehicle (CEV), the government is releasing another $26.5 million and making changes to its popular CEVforBC rebate program to meet ongoing demand . “ With federal and provincial rebates now in place, switching to an electric vehicle is more affordable than ever ,” said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “ Part of our CleanBC plan, the CEVforBC program has been a resounding success. The changes we are making today will ensure it remains accessible and supports even more British Columbians in getting their first clean energy vehicle .” So how does that work, because it looks to me like Justin Trudeau’s feds ponied up with more mon...

Earlier this month, my colleague  Andrew Weaver asked Hon. Michelle Mungall , Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, about orphan oil and gas wells in British Columbia. The Auditor General of British Columbia  reviewed the situation in our province  and reported that the number of orphan sites is dramatically increasing and the funds set aside by companies is falling well short of what is needed. We have a problem with the orphans, but it’s not just a problem in British Columbia. The $3 billion price tag that British Columbians will likely be on the hook for is small in comparison to the estimated $50-70 billion that Albertans can expect. Western provinces have a regulatory problem. Does the polluter pay? In our province, the Oil and Gas Commission regulates the industry. Apparently, we have a polluter pays principle. This means the company who is causing the mess is responsible for cleaning it up. However, in the case of ...

“ The provincial government finally released its “Scientific Review of Hydraulic Fracturing in British Columbia” and it’s good news for people in the natural gas business ”, stated Danielle Harris of Together 4 LNG. Earlier this month, columnist Les Leyne managed to get a hold of a preview copy of a long-awaited government report on BC’s LNG industry. The report, commissioned in March 2018 to fulfill an NDP election promise and placate environmental groups, has now been officially released. Harris went on to say, “It’s pretty much what we expected and wrote about in a previous newsletter. BC isn’t about to kill the natural gas industry.  In fact, it’s giving it a green light.”   Government of BC Media Release:   March 19th An independent scientific review of hydraulic fracturing in British Columbia has found the regulatory framework to be robust, while also identifying areas for improvement. The three-member independent scientific panel submi...