CASTLEGAR – New Democrat MLA Katrine Conroy says people will benefit from a new project in Castlegar that will invest in clean technology, reduce climate pollution and support local jobs.

“We know that climate change is already impacting our lives here in the Kootenays, and we all need to do our part to keep it from worsening,” said MLA Conroy. “That’s why local employers like Mercer Celgar is working with our government to do exactly that, reducing their emissions considerably.”

Mercer Celgar Ltd. Is receiving a grant of $5 million from the provincial government decrease natural gas use in the boilers. This project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 151 ktCO2e (kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalent) through 2031. That is the same as taking nearly 3,300 gas-powered vehicles off the road for per year over ten years.

As part of the CleanBC Industry Fund’s third round of investment, the BC NDP government has announced 25 successful projects that will support the adoption of cleaner technologies and reduce emissions in sectors like pulp and paper, mining, oil and gas and others. The CleanBC projects are supported by more than $70 million in carbon tax revenues paid by industry.

The CleanBC Industry Fund is one part of the Province’s plan to reduce emissions from industry, which includes aiming to eliminate all industrial methane by 2035, integrating emissions goals in the oil and gas royalty system, supporting electrification through BC Hydro, and making all new industrial developments ‘net-zero ready’.

The fund is an important part of the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030, which is B.C.’s plan to expand and accelerate climate action by building on the province’s natural advantages – abundant, clean electricity, innovative technology and a highly skilled workforce.

Learn more: Clean tech investments for industry to reduce emissions, boost jobs