Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #08-109
May 12, 2008
Climate Change Action Plan and Energy Strategy out for Consultation
Premier Dennis Fentie and Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang announced today the public is invited to review and comment on two important documents outlining Yukon’s plans for managing energy resources and addressing climate change.
“Yukoners have told us they are concerned about the effects of climate change on Yukon,” Fentie said. “The Climate Change Action Plan and the Energy Strategy for Yukon will assist us in implementing mitigation and adaptation measures.”
The draft Yukon Government Climate Change Action Plan sets out 33 specific actions that would advance the goals set out in the 2006 Yukon Government Climate Change Strategy, including:
• enhancing support for climate change monitoring and education;
• establishing within two years Yukon targets for greenhouse gas emission reduction;
• making internal Yukon government operations carbon neutral by 2022; and,
• establish Yukon as a northern leader for climate change research.
The draft Energy Strategy for Yukon sets roles and responsibilities for developing and managing Yukon’s energy resources, including:
• meeting Yukon’s current and future electricity needs;
• increasing the supply and use of renewable energy;
• conserving and using energy more efficiently; and,
• facilitating responsible oil and gas exploration and development.
“The Energy Strategy for Yukon document will provide guidance to energy programs and economic development in the energy sector over the next 10 years,” Lang said. “We want to move forward with goals that reflect the values of Yukoners – for now and for the future.”
The development of both documents began with extensive research and discussions with experts, stakeholders and the public. Public and technical workshops held since May 2007 have identified key priorities for managing energy and responding to climate change.
Members of the public and businesspeople are encouraged to review and provide comments on the reports. Copies of both reports can be obtained by visiting www.gov.yk.ca.
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| Contact: | ||
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca | Jesse Devost EMR Communications (867) 667-5809 jesse.devost@gov.yk.ca | Nancy Campbell Environment Communications (867) 456-6794 nancy.campbell@gov.yk.ca |