Clean Energy Act establishes British Columbia as clean energy leader

VANCOUVER, April 28 /CNW/ - The Independent Power Producers Association of British Columbia today welcomed the provincial government's new Clean Energy Act as good news for BC's economic future that will generate new jobs and investment throughout the province in rural and First Nations communities.

"This is a forward-looking vision to help our province prosper for decades to come," said Paul Kariya, Executive Director of IPPBC. "Most importantly, the legislation provides the clean power sector with greater certainty to help it plan for the future, invest and create new jobs and economic opportunities."

"This is a uniquely made-in-BC approach that protects and enhances our province's publicly owned assets while making the most of private sector entrepreneurship and know-how to develop clean energy as a competitive economic advantage for the benefit of British Columbians," Kariya said.

The Act is comprehensive, Kariya noted, addressing key challenges such as energy self-sufficiency, continued GHG reductions, environmental protection, domestic needs, improved energy procurement, economic opportunities for First Nations and a plan to benefit from long-term power exports.

IPPBC is BC's clean energy sector advocate. Its 320 members comprise developers and support services that provide clean energy from run-of-river hydro, wind, bio-mass and new emerging fuels. Working in partnership with First Nations, BC Hydro, and provincial and federal governments and local communities, the clean energy sector is poised to contribute significantly to new jobs, capital expenditures and investments.

For further information: Paul Kariya, Executive Director, Cell: [phone]