Ontario unveiled its climate-change plan on Thursday, laying out an environmental blueprint to replace the cap-and-trade system brought in by the previous Liberal government. Here are some highlights:
PARIS AGREEMENT TARGETS: The province commits to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 30 per cent below what they were in 2005 by 2030, which aligns with targets under the Paris Agreement. That means bringing down emissions to 143 megatonnes, compared with the current 161 megatonnes.
ONTARIO CARBON TRUST: The government plans to create a $400 million fund that will use public money to spur private investment in clean technologies. That includes a $50 million "reverse auction" that encourages businesses to bid on government contracts awarded based on the lowest cost per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions.
NO CARBON PRICING: The plan does not put a price on carbon, which was the approach used by the previous government and required by Ottawa. Premier Doug Ford has vowed to fight carbon pricing in any format, saying it makes life unaffordable for families.
IMPACT STUDY: The government pledges to undertake a provincial impact assessment to identify where and how climate change will affect communities, infrastructure and the environment. The findings would influence future decision-making.
FUEL CHANGES: The province hopes to reduce emissions in part by encouraging greater use of electric vehicles, compressed natural gas in trucking and increased levels of ethanol in gasoline.
