We debated Bill 3 (Climate Change and Emissions Management Amendment Act) for the past two days with two amendments introduced by me yesterday – both of which were rejected by the Conservative and NDP members.

My amendments were:
1)Add to the 12% emission intensity reduction required in the Bill by also requiring a 10% reduction annually until 2012 – when hard caps (not intensity targets) on emissions would be brought in.

2)Add to the $15/tonne fee for exceedences indicated in Bill 3 in the following way: increase to $20/tonne starting 2010; $30/tonne starting 2012

What we have in Bill 3 (without my amendments) is a minor tax to large emitters that will provide a modest $275 million for a new technology fund only for use in Alberta.

The Stern Report, released by Sir Nicholas Stern earlier this year, strongly recommended 1% of GDP each year invested in energy efficiency and renewable energy to avoid catastrophic impacts of climate change to people and land (1% of our GDP in Alberta would be $ 2 billion, where currently we spend at most, $500 million, 1/4 of what is recommended).

The Alberta government has abdicated its responsibility to lead the country in carbon reduction and placed at risk the future prosperity and security of the country.

Read my amendments as presented in the Legislature:Bill 3: Climate Change and Emissions Management Amendment Act 2007