The New Brunswick NDP released its plan to reduce our carbon footprint on Friday — one day before the federal government deadline for provinces to submit a plan.
The party is pledging to create a Carbon Reduction Fund to help transition to green energy through the introduction of a $30 a ton carbon reduction program, which would increase to $50 a ton after four years.
Leader Jennifer McKenzie said the funds will go back to support New Brunswickers and be invested in green energy, infrastructure and innovation.
“One-third of the funds generated by this program will be returned to low- and middle-income people in the form of a rebate,” McKenzie said.
Tomorrow is the Federal government’s deadline for provinces to submit a plan for carbon reduction and Jennifer McKenzie presented our plan today.
“This is opportunity to lead, not fall behind. It’s about investing in our future.” – @JenMcKenzieNDP#NBNDP pic.twitter.com/ivP6QTwjlg
— New Brunswick NDP / NPD du Nouveau-Brunswick (@NBNDP_NPDNB) August 31, 2018
McKenzie said one-third would be invested in green energy like wind, solar and tidal power, and the rest would go to green infrastructure programs such as electrified public transit and reintroducing the energy efficiency savings program.
She said the carbon reduction program would translate into a small increase at the gas pumps.
“Eventually, the price of electricity will come down because the biggest component of electricity costs is the fuel,” McKenzie said, “and the fuel that goes into green energy is free, for the most part.”
The federal government’s deadline for provinces to submit a plan to reduce their carbon footprint is Saturday and McKenzie said the NDP has a plan — something she said the other parties have not yet developed.
(File photo)
