WHEREAS the Government of British Columbia has expressed an interest in a Made in BC Approach to utilizing the natural gas reserves in British Columbia; AND WHEREAS the Government of British Columbia has expressed a desire to create a diversified natural gas industry with its attendant jobs: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request the Government of British Columbia to effect a plan within one year to create a comprehensive infrastructure to supply natural gas to commercial transport for British Columbia, with a target date for implementation within five years.
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and Minister Responsible for Housing The Province recognizes that comprehensive infrastructure to supply natural gas to the transportation sector in British Columbia is critical to diversifying and increasing demand for natural gas. There are currently two programs that support increased use of natural gas in transportation. Since December 2011, the Provinces Clean Energy Vehicle Program has been providing point-of-sale incentives for new, light-duty natural gas vehicles. In May 2012, the Province announced the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Clean Energy Regulation that allows utilities to offer incentives for natural gas vehicles and build natural gas fuelling stations. In response to the Regulation, FortisBC has launched a five-year natural gas vehicle program that provides incentives for new, medium and heavy-duty natural gas vehicles, and is planning for investments in natural gas fuelling infrastructure. The FortisBC program is heavily over-subscribed. In addition, a number of private sector natural gas supply and fuelling infrastructure companies have expressed interest and plans to develop natural gas infrastructure throughout British Columbia. The Province will continue to monitor the market to identify if and when further action is required.