Urge the council to de-prioritize specific actions that have the potential to bolster fracked gas use in Vancouver.
Dear Mayor McEnerny-Ogle, Members of the Vancouver City Council, and Staff:
Thank you for your continued work to establish Vancouver as a leader in addressing the climate crisis. The ambitious goals the Council set in June 2022 reflect a deep commitment to the work of making Vancouver more livable, resilient, and equitable in a changing climate.
I support many of the actions identified as potential high priorities in the Climate Action Plan. Vehicle electrification, building electrification, reductions in transportation impacts and emissions, access to transportation options, and a renewed focus on expanding and sustaining green spaces will help Vancouver meet its ambitious goals while averting and reducing some of the worst impacts of fossil fuel use and climate change.
Additionally, I urge the council to de-prioritize specific actions that have the potential to bolster fracked gas use in Vancouver. For the foreseeable future, Vancouver’s gas supply will remain dominated by fracked gas. Vancouver’s Climate Action Plan should not rely on NW Natural’s Smart Energy program or renewable natural gas (RNG), which may be expensive, unavailable, or involve the capture of methane from out-of-state sources. Electrification provides an affordable, surer path to climate progress.
Thank you for your diligent work on the Climate Action Plan. I support Vancouver’s effort to develop this robust Climate Action Plan.
Sincerely,
