PORT ALBERNI – New Democrat MLA Josie Osborne says people will benefit from a new project in Port Alberni that will invest in clean technology, reduce climate pollution and support local jobs.

“We all need to do our part to reduce emissions and slow the progress of climate change, including our industry partners” said MLA Osborne. “With this investment from our government’s CleanBC Industry Fund, Catalyst will be able to reduce their emissions significantly, the equivalent of taking over 500 cars off the road per year.”

Catalyst Paper Corp is receiving a $323,000 grant from the B.C. Government to install a new auxiliary hog wood waste feed system, improving fuel supply and reducing natural gas use (emissions are measured in kilotons of carbon dioxide equivalent – ktCO2e). This project is expected to reduce emissions by 24.5ktCO2e through 2021, the equivalent of taking over 500 cars off the road per year.

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