Stand.earth reacts to review of the CleanBC climate plan

xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territories (VANCOUVER, B.C.) – Today’s CleanBC review confirms what communities and experts have been saying: B.C. needs a bold economic vision that aligns with climate science and ensures the province’s long-term prosperity. The report confirms that without a shift in economic priorities, and decisive action to curb fossil fuel development, the Eby government will not achieve the emissions reductions B.C. needs now.

Current LNG development is incompatible with B.C. climate goals. Investing in clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable industries — while ensuring Indigenous leadership and communities benefit — must be top priorities for this government. The B.C. Cabinet has an opportunity to lead a strategy that creates jobs and supports communities in the clean-economy transition – or risks locking in decades of high emissions and stranded assets.

Stand.earth Senior Canada Oil and Gas Campaigner Kiki Wood said:

“This review is a clear message to Premier Eby that current LNG expansion cannot coexist with the province’s climate goals. Continuing to expand LNG while claiming to meet climate targets is like trying to fill a bucket that’s been drilled full of holes – without stopping the leaks, no amount of effort will bail us out.  We need to connect our economic and climate priorities to chart a trajectory for B.C. that reduces emissions while building the climate-safe next-generation economy that British Columbians are demanding. This government has been backpedaling on climate since the last election. I hope this expert review becomes a wake up call to get B.C. back on track.”

Stand.earth appreciates the review for its renewed commitment to CleanBC as a comprehensive approach to lowering B.C. emissions, including policy recommendations such as strengthening B.C.’s oil and gas methane emissions regulations, re-instating EV rebates and confirming the Highest Efficiency Equipment Standard (HEES) as a critical policy that must be announced by the end of 2026.

Building new homes with clean electricity lowers bills, cuts pollution, and makes homes safer and more comfortable. Local governments that have already accelerated to the highest level of the Zero Carbon Step Code, which does this. They have been leading the way on new homes, proving that stronger efficiency and electrification standards are both feasible and effective.

Stand.earth Climate Campaigner Sunil Singal said:

“The review should push the B.C. Government to accelerate the highest levels of the Zero Carbon Step Code and require all new buildings — in at least the warmer climate zones, including the Capital Regional District and Metro Vancouver —  use all-electric heat pumps by 2027, while continuing to expand support for low-income residents switching to heat pumps in existing homes. The review also makes it clear that all heating, cooling, and hot water equipment should be at least 100% efficient. Gas can’t reach that level, heat pumps can. They are a proven, modern technology that protects people from extreme heat, lowers energy bills, and slashes climate pollution. The message is clear: the future of buildings is  all-electric. Heat pumps are not a luxury, they are essential.”

Stand .earth Oil and Gas Campaign Director Sven Biggs said:

“Methane is a climate killer and among the most potent of all greenhouse gases. Which is why we are glad that today’s report calls for the B.C. government strengthening methane regulations for the oil and gas sector. Methane emissions from this heavily polluting industry have already begun to fall due to earlier regulation, but we have the technology today to bring them down to near zero. Now is the time to finish the job.”

Contact:

Kiki Wood, Senior Oil and Gas Campaigner: kiki@stand.earth ; 604-367-1865  (PST)

Sunil Singal, Climate Campaigner: sunil.singal@stand.earth ; 604-368-3536 (PST)

Sven Biggs, Oil and Gas Campaign Director: sven@stand.earth ; 778-882-8354 (PST)

Arin de Hoog, communications coordinator: arin.dehoog@stand.earth, 613-978-7329 (EST)