Green MLA Andrew Weaver is going to try something that hasn’t been done in more than a decade.
Weaver wants to amend the Throne Speech to include a section calling on the government to oppose expansion of US thermal coal shipments from BC ports, because it would increase greenhouse gas emissions in Asia.
Powell River Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons has been criticizing the plan, which includes a loading station on Texada Island. But, he’s not saying if he’ll support Weaver’s amendment, although he supports the idea behind it.
The earliest Weaver’s amendment could come up at the Legislature is Monday, but it may not come up at all if the government cuts the Throne Speech debate short.
Here’s what Weaver’s amendment says; “…that this, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, recognizes that climate change is one of the greatest issues facing our Province and that this government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions is inconsistent with the current expansion of United States-sourced thermal coal exports coming through British Columbia’s harbours, and therefore calls upon this government to follow the lead of our Pacific Coast Action Plan Partners, Washington, Oregon and California, and explore all means by which the government may halt the further expansion of thermal coal exports in British Columbia.”
