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CLEAN ENERGY
EFFICIENCY PROGRAM SUPPORTS 62 COMMUNITIES |
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“This
year brings us to a total of 62 local governments and First Nations participating
in the CAEE programs, exceeding our Energy Plan goal of having 50 communities
by 2010,” said Neufeld. “These communities are leaders in energy efficiency and
conservation and will help us to meet B.C.’s future clean energy needs and
achieve electricity self-sufficiency.”
“As the evidence of climate change grows, efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions have become more important than ever,” said Penner. “The CAEE program makes it easier for local governments and First Nations to play a larger role in reducing our collective environmental footprint, while ensuring a healthier, greener future for all British Columbians.”
The
new CAEE communities include:
·
Town of
· Kwakwaka’wak First Nation
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· District of Elkford
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City of
· Fraser Valley Regional District
Existing CAEE communities that have made new, significant energy and emissions commitments include:
· District of Squamish
· District of Saanich
Each community will receive a
funding allocation of between $10,000 to $20,000 to reflect the community’s
commitment to conserve energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and undertake
unique policy approaches.
Government
funding comes from:
· Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources - $90,000
· Ministry of Environment - $85,000
Originally
named Community Action on Energy Efficiency, the CAEE program emphasizes local
government leadership on energy efficiency for new and existing buildings.
CAEE has expanded to address clean and renewable energy supplies,
transportation energy use and the range of related greenhouse gas and local air
quality emissions.
The CAEE program is a collaboration among the
provincial ministries of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Environment and
Community Development, the Fraser Basin Council, Community Energy Association,
BC Hydro, FortisBC, Terasen Gas and the
“Supporting local governments to
create greener, more energy-efficient and sustainable communities through
programs such as CAEE is a priority for the Province,” said Community
Development Minister Blair Lekstrom. “Working together, we’re developing
innovative solutions to environmental challenges to ensure that the decisions
we make today will have a positive impact on the future of
A “CAEE Gold” call is
planned for this fall, which will be available to all B.C. communities
that have taken their conservation and efficiency activities to a higher level
through innovation and implementation. The winning Gold communities will
be announced in early 2009.
CAEE
is administered on behalf of the Province by the Fraser Basin Council, a
non-profit organization with a mandate to create a more sustainable future –
economically, socially and environmentally. For more information, visit www.caee.ca.
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Contact: |
Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources 250 952-0628 250 213-6934 (cell) |
Kate Thompson Manager, Media Relations Ministry of Environment 250 953-4577 |
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Marc Black Communications Manager Ministry of Community Development 250 356-6334 250 889-1295 (cell) |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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