The BC Government will introduce legislation this spring mandating that all cars and trucks sold in the province will be zero-emission by 2040.
Premier John Horgan says the legislation will set targets of 10% of sales by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2040.
Horgan says it's the first major policy commitment in his government's plan to meet the province's climate goals, and is aimed at removing a major source of air pollution and climate change:
" After 2 consecutive fire seasons that set records in terms of hectares burned, individuals affected, buildings destroyed, it's clear that we are certainly not immune from the changes our climate, and it's incumbent upon all of us to make sure that we're creating solutions for our planet and our province."
On hand for the announcement, BC Green Leader Andrew Weaver applauded the move:
" It's an exciting day not only for the environment, but for business in BC and for BC leadership and branding internationally. You know we're announcing in British Columbia here today a zero emission vehicle mandate that is second to none in North America."
Horgan says an incentive program encouraging the purchase of more clean-energy cars will be increased by $20-million this year, and the fast-charger network will be expanded to 151 sites.
The premier made the announcement in front of the legislature surrounded by a variety of zero-emission vehicles already on the market.