Energy & Climate Change
Our vision is for the Yukon to massively reduce its dependence on fossil fuels in the short term, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral. The long term goal is a fossil fuel free Yukon. We believe the Yukon should strive to be a model for the global community. YCS actions to accomplish these goals will consider Yukon's land, water, air and wildlife, and traditional activities to minimize adverse impacts on them.
To achieve its Vision, YCS is working to accomplish the following:
Energy Efficiency:
The enactment of building code provisions to ensure that all new buildings are built to R-2000 or better. Support shall be given for the retro-fitting of older buildings to R-2000 or better.
Actively promote and encourage local production of goods and services to reduce and eventually replace fossil-fuel intensive imports.
Encourage the efficient use of fossil fuels, through urban design and transportation.
Renewable Energy:
Encourage Yukon Electrical and Yukon Energy to reduce and eventually eliminate the generation of electricity with diesel.
Encourage the development and use of renewable energy and the reduction of reliance on fossil fuels.
Encourage the implementation of carbon neutral travel.
YCS supports the idea of Independent Power Producers as long as there are adequate safeguards to protect the environment and communities.
NEB Public Review of Arctic Safety and Environmental Offshore Drilling Requirements
The National Energy Board's public review of Arctic offshore drilling regulations has drawn responses from people concerned about the risk of a big oil spill similar to the one in the Gulf of Mexico occurring in northern Canadian waters. Here is YCS's comments on the Preliminary Scope of the review.
Mayo B Hydro Project
YCS has several concerns about Yukon Energy Corporation (YEC)'s Mayo B project and proposal. We are primarily concerned about fish and fish habitat in Mayo River and in Mayo Lake. Second, we have concerns with the assessment process and the fact that work is proceeding at the site before design plans have been determined and before the environmental and socioeconomic assessment has been completed. Finally, we feel the proponent has not fully explored alternatives to the project by considering different ways we could generate or save as much electricity with fewer negative impacts to the environment.
Here is the letter YCS submitted to the Yukon Enivornment and Socio-Economic Assessment Board that outlined these concerns. YCS further submitted comments on the draft screening report.
Yukon Conservation Society then provided Intervenor Evidence for the Yukon Energy application to the Yukon Utilities Board for Energy Project & Operation Certificates regarding the Proposed Mayo Hydro Enhancement Project. In addition, YCS submitted a response to the YUB Information Request on YCS Evidence
Oil and gas exploration
A moratorium on oil, gas and uranium exploration and development in the Yukon.
Read YCS's comments on proposed changes to the Yukon Oil and Gas Act here. To learn more about the changes visit the Yukon Government Oil and Gas Act Amendment website.
A Carbon Fund for the Yukon
To create a program whereby individuals and/or businesses can voluntarily offset their carbon footprint by contributing to investment in Yukon projects that mitigate climate change by sequestering atmospheric carbon, reducing Yukon GHG emissions, and reducing Yukon's dependence on fossil fuels and imported products. YCS commissioned the report The Feasibility of a Yukon Carbon Offset Fund which analyses the possibility of such an initative.
