SOUND OFF: Your hydro bill, climate action and the culture war

Many of us are upset about government policy; it’s either too much or not enough. But are we really upset about the policy or something else? It’s getting harder and harder to tell these days. There is no nuance left in these conversations.

Indeed, it’s possible to agree with most of a policy yet take issue with one or two elements of it. The way arguments are framed is everything, and on that point our media and government are failing us on a monumental level. This is why I try to give people nuance and context and an opportunity to discuss these issues at the Kamloops Citizens Safety Committee.

Let’s talk about climate action. The recent fires, floods and now droughts have had an impact on all of us. We’re constantly reminded on TV about the crisis we’re in, stoking fear and emotion. But is this the time for emotions? If we’re making important decisions, we need a clear mind and a steady hand. We all want clean water, a healthy ecosystem and a safe and prosperous future for our children — we just disagree on the best way to get there. I’d venture that most people agree on far more than they disagree on. So, let’s start there and acknowledge what we agree on first.

I agree the climate is changing, pollution is bad, we can make changes to have less of an impact on the environment, and technology like heat pumps and EVs have a place.

But I also know that obeying the laws of physics, climate action demands substantial sacrifices for families and the economy. There’s hypocrisy in neglecting embodied carbon, dismissing the extensive waste of time and energy in manufacturing new appliances and vehicles. The oppressive nature of top-down, ‘one size fits all’ policies has become evident as the government mandates the public to sacrifice more for increasingly marginal CO2 reductions. The squandering of billions of tax dollars on market inefficiencies and questionable crony capitalism is obvious. Even by the NDPs’ own calculations, following these policies as-is will invariably harm our economy, society and leave us with less energy and prosperity in the future.

Finally, I have my doubts regarding the necessity of these sacrifices. It seems clear to me that achieving these carbon reductions won’t stop the next atmospheric river, forest fire or climate emergency from taking place. Why? Because Canada is a tiny, insignificant fish in a big worldwide carbon sea. We emit less than 1.6 per cent of world emissions while the biggest fish of them all, China, is building two new coal-fired power plants per week and is emitting more than 31 per cent of world CO2.

The prospect of top-down government control in the name of climate action is alarming. Ideas that were previously unthinkable are currently being implemented in real time under the banner of climate action. Restricting vehicles, banning natural gas, mandating energy upgrades and retrofits on private residences, rate controls, timed usage, and even utility controlled smart appliances inside your home are all on the table, being discussed at national, provincial and local levels.

Controlling how and when you can use electricity goes beyond what most Canadians had envisioned and yet that is exactly what BC Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan is referring to when it discusses demand side measures (DSM). It seems like we’re on a path to solve one crisis with the environment by creating another crisis in the economy and society. The risk/reward doesn’t look very appealing.

Let’s find that middle ground – if we can have 80 per cent of the benefit, while maintaining a free and prosperous society, most Canadians would take that option over going the extra authoritarian mile for the 20 per cent gain on the margins. We just need to be honest with Canadians and they’ll do what’s right for themselves, their families and the planet.

If you want to learn more about what the government has planned for you and your house, come to the West Highlands Community Centre at 1855 Links Way this Thursday November 30th at 7pm where I’ll be presenting on these topics and more to give you the facts you need. You can read more at https://www.kamloopscsc.org/

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Geoff Snicer

SOUND OFF: Your hydro bill, climate action and the culture war

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