Alberta Follows Through With Consumer, Small Business Aspects Of Climate Leadership Plan, Passes New Act

After significant debate, the Alberta legislature passed the Climate Leadership Implementation Act (Act) on June 7, 2016. While it has yet to receive royal assent, the Act represents a significant step in converting portions of the Government of Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan (Plan), into law. In particular, the Act structures the carbon levy and certain energy efficiency aspects of the Plan applicable to consumers and small business emitters.

BACKGROUND

As discussed in our November 2015 Blakes Bulletin: Just Like Any Good Recipe, Alberta's Climate Leadership Plan Has a Little Bit of Everything, Alberta released the Plan on November 22, 2015. The Plan represents a dramatic shift in the province's approach to climate change and greenhouse gas (GHG) issues, including the proposed introduction of a carbon levy on transportation and heating fuels. The Act implements these aspects of the Plan, by enacting: