For Immediate Release
October 4, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has submitted a series of recommendations for the province to consider in its development of a new climate change strategy.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s existing climate change strategy expires at the end of 2016; the Department of Environment and Climate Change has been engaging stakeholders and the general public since June for suggestions and ideas on the framework of a new plan.

“NEIA consulted directly with its membership, its industry partners, and engaged with the general public in the development of its recommendations,” said Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Interim Executive Director. “Our submission focuses on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with an emphasis on maximizing the economic opportunities associated with those activities.”

NEIA’s submission is comprised of four components: GHG emissions reductions; electricity costs and regulations; empowering the private sector; and government leadership. The document can be viewed interactively below, or downloaded by clicking here.

“In our view, a central focus of a provincial climate change strategy should be in providing support to our businesses to help them innovate, develop, and implement their clean tech products and services,” says Hanley.

Hanley notes that outdated frameworks act as significant barriers to the adoption of greener technologies and processes. “Whether it is restrictive energy policies or outdated procurement processes, in some ways we are actually inhibiting green economic growth. A new climate change strategy should take action to eliminate these barriers and enable our businesses to make positive environmental and economic contributions.”

“We look forward to discussing our recommendations in detail with our government partners,” says Hanley. “The Department of Environment and Conservation extensively engaged the public during this process, and we appreciate the opportunity to make a submission on behalf of industry. We anticipate that this collaborative approach will continue as the development of the strategy enters its next phase.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org

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