NDP Caucus amends Liberal PMM on net zero emissions by 2050 to include concrete plans and targets

Repeats call for Select Committee on Economic Recovery

For immediate release

June 11, 2020

NDP Caucus amends Liberal PMM on net zero emissions by 2050 to include concrete plans and targets, repeats call for Select Committee on Economic Recovery

NDP Leader Alison Coffin says the Liberal Private Member’s Motion on achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is a small step in the right direction, but the NDP could not support it without an action plan with teeth.

Yesterday, the Liberals presented a Private Member’s Motion in the House of Assembly. The NDP introduced an amendment to the resolution stating that there be “detailed multi-year plans with clearly defined hard targets.” The NDP amendment passed and the motion passed.

Coffin says her Caucus brought forward the amendment to ensure there is a plan with benchmarks and targets in five-year increments, because of the Liberals’ overall weak environmental and sustainability track record.

“Let’s get started on that plan by establishing a Select Committee on Economic Recovery in this sitting of the House of Assembly,” said Coffin. “We believe in green jobs and a sustainable economy, we believe we need a sensible plan to wean ourselves off of oil – not all at once – but a plan.”

“Net zero 2050 without a plan would do nothing. Net zero with a plan attached would hopefully mean detailed transition efforts in all sectors to help businesses move into green technology, with incentives and penalties, and support for worker adjustments.”

“Let’s be clear, net zero by 2050 is generally a good goal. We support it, and we’re pleased to see the Liberals finally starting to show some interest – albeit tepid – in addressing climate change,” said Coffin.

“But where is the plan to transition us off oil? An aspirational resolution in the House of Assembly should not be seen as a blank cheque for subsidizing oil, rolling back environmental protections, or ignoring the rights of fish harvesters,” said Coffin.

“We’re looking forward to a meaningful transition plan with definitive targets and hard deadlines.”

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For further information, contact Zaren Healey White, Director of Communications, NDP Caucus at 729-2137 (o), 693-9172 (c), or zarenhealeywhite@gov.nl.ca