The Yukon government has recently overturned a law that established goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mandated the territory to track its advancement in achieving those objectives. The Clean Energy Act, introduced in 2022 under the previous Liberal administration, aimed to provide a legal framework for the Yukon to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, marking it as the first legislation in the region concerning energy and climate change.
The Yukon Party government, under Premier Currie Dixon, has now passed new legislation to abolish the Clean Energy Act. Dixon clarified that the focus is on diminishing the demand for electricity. The Act not only targeted emissions reductions but also set benchmarks for the number of zero-emission vehicles in the Yukon, adding strain to the territory’s power grid, as noted by Dixon.
As part of repealing the Act, the government has decided to eliminate rebate programs for electric vehicles (EVs), EV chargers, and e-bikes. These programs previously allowed Yukoners to apply for rebates of up to $5,000 for certain EVs and hybrid vehicles, and up to $1,500 for specific e-bikes. Dixon emphasized that discontinuing these programs is regrettable but crucial to address the growing demand for energy.
In place of EV rebates, the government plans to divert the funds towards initiatives that encourage residents to meet their household electricity requirements without straining the grid. This includes offering incentives for installing propane or oil-fired furnaces and hot water systems, among other options.
Opposition Leader Kate White expressed disappointment over the swift repeal of the Clean Energy Act without extensive debate or consideration. White suggested that instead of scrapping the entire Act, adjustments could have been made to emission targets and other components.