A United Conservative Party of Alberta sign is shown in Calgary on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022. The UCP government released a plan Wednesday that it hopes will take the province to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. (Photo: Canadian Press)

By David Opinko / with files from Canadian Press

Alberta’s United Conservative government releases ‘aspirational’ plan on climate

Apr 19, 2023 | 11:13 AM

EDMONTON, AB – Alberta’s United Conservative Party government is releasing a plan that it hopes will take the province to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The Emissions Reduction and Energy Development (ERED) Plan, which describes itself as “aspirational,” relies heavily on technologies such as carbon capture and storage.

According to a release from the party, it relies of eight strategic directions and principles:

• An Alberta plan based on practical, achievable pathways
• Delivering Alberta energy to the world while reducing emissions
• Affordability and reliability
• Energy security
• Partnership with Indigenous communities and organizations
• Industrial policy and systems approach
• Sustainable finance
• Conservation, protection and enhancing our nature-based solutions

However, the plan contains few details on the pace of investment and construction required to achieve that goal.

LIVE UPDATES

Road construction, detours and traffic in Medicine Hat

10h ago

In the community

Medicine Hat public library screening movie to open discussion on addiction and recovery

Nov 14, 2024

IN THE COMMUNITY

London Drugs' senior loneliness program back for ninth year

Nov 13, 2024

Premier Danielle Smith said the plan affirms that responsibly-produced oil and gas will continue to be a fundamental part of the global energy mix in the coming decades.

“Our made-in-Alberta plan to reduce emissions while growing the economy is a plan that works for Albertans. This could never be a one-size-fits-all model passed on by the federal government. I’m so proud of the work that has been done to bring this forward,” said Smith. “Alberta can, and will, be a part of the solution to safeguard North American and global energy security. We can make real progress on environmental protection without sacrificing Alberta’s and Canada’s economic engine.”

The plan also promises to consider a lower greenhouse gas cap from the oilsands and tougher fuel emissions standards.

It says methane emissions standards will also be more stringent and the climate effects are also to be considered in provincial land-use decisions.

The ERED Plan also aims to modernize the electricity system and integrate new technology.

Alberta Environment officials say it’s the first time the province has set a net-zero target.

The full Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan can be viewed on the Government of Alberta website.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 19, 2023.