Alberta Moves Forward With Climate Change Initiatives In Budget 2016

As part of its strategy to kick-start the economy, the Alberta government has earmarked almost $8.5 billion in its latest budget to build and modernize major public infrastructure. Released on April 14, 2016, Budget 2016 allocates $634 million to various climate change initiatives in addition to funds for roads and bridges, flood recovery and municipal infrastructure support.

As reported in our earlier blog, Alberta is developing a new strategy on climate change based on recommendations put forward by the Climate Change Advisory Panel. Details of the final strategy are still being developed, but four key areas have been identified for action:

• phasing out emissions from coal-generated electricity and developing more renewable energy;