Environmental Goals & Climate Change Reduction Act
In November 2021, The Government of Nova Scotia passed the Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act (EGCCRA). This Act lays out a series of goals to transition our society to a healthier, greener, more sustainable future.
Climate Plan
Following EGCCRA, the Government of Nova Scotia released a climate plan in December 2022. In that plan, the EAC looked for:
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Concrete and ambitious actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
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Actions that support resilience in adapting to climate change and a sustainable transition of our society in a way that is green and just.
Read more about the climate plan and EAC's analysis here.
EAC Response to EGCCRA
EAC Response to EGCCRA
While the Act is good, it could be stronger. Its positives include a commitment to phasing out coal by 2030, the inclusion of an electric vehicle mandate, a commitment to protecting 20 per cent of the province’s land and water by 2030, and a focus on equity as a core principle.
However, the Act does not address continuing with outdated industries, fossil fuel extraction, and the use of unproven carbon capture technologies. Without taking action in these areas, Nova Scotia could be undermining any progress. Missteps will continue to increase our emissions and threaten our ecosystems.
More detailed information regarding the EAC's response to the Act and a public consultation report conducted by the Clean Foundation can be found below.
EGCCRA Briefing Notes
EGCCRA Briefing Notes
We have prepared a series of briefing notes outlining measures that must be taken if we are to achieve the goals identified in the EGCCRA. You can view or download these and contact us with questions or for further details. Detailed background reports, in many cases the sources of the briefing notes, can be found here.
Detailed Background Reports
Detailed Background Reports
Legal Analysis of SDGA regulations
The EAC commissioned a study from East Coast Environmental Law which analyzed some of our proposed goals. The study details if and how Nova Scotia’s laws would need to change in order to implement the goals. Additionally, the report examines accountability and enforcement mechanisms for the SDGA as a whole. Click here to read the analysis.
EPR Unpacked: Selected Best Principles and Practices for Extended Producer Responsibility Programs with a focus on Nova Scotia
This 2022 report, written for the EAC by Mark Butler of NovaMark Consulting, details opportunities, challenges, and best practices for implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs in Mi'kma'ki/Nova Scotia. Click here to read the report.
On-Shore Wind Position Statement
The EAC's position statement about on-shore wind energy, June 2022. Click here to read our Position Statement.
Electric Vehicle Adoption in Nova Scotia 2020-2030
This 2020 report written by Dunsky Energy Consulting for the EAC details the provincial landscape for electric vehicles. It demonstrates the need for provincial intervention to increase electric vehicle uptake at a rate that will help meet our provincial greenhouse gas emissions targets and our national electric vehicle targets. Click here to read the report.
A Multi-Jurisdictional Comparative Analysis of Sustainability Mandates of Electricity
This 2021 report explores whether sustainability mandates in Canadian and New England jurisdictions offer useful models for Nova Scotia’s electricity regulator, the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board (NSUARB). It also analyzes key legislative language and proposes amendments to the Public Utilities Act or Electricity Act or corresponding regulations and explains how those amendments would further the EAC’s goals for electricity reform in Nova Scotia. Click here to read the report and appendix.
Green Jobs Report
This 2019 report, prepared for EAC by Gardner Pinfold Consulting, explores the jobs and economic costs and benefits of specific climate goals that the EAC proposes for 2030. Click here to read the full report or click here to read a summary of the report.
Accelerating the Coal Phase Out: Nova Scotia and the Climate Emergency
This 2019 report was prepared for the EAC by Ralph Torrie. It charts the path for a low-carbon electricity system in Nova Scotia and proposes a scenario that leads to 90 per cent renewable electricity, a complete phase-out of coal power, and significant increases in energy efficiency and electric transportation – all by the year 2030. Click here to read the full report or click here to read a summary of the report.