BC fast-tracks clean energy projects

Summary#

This bill speeds up permits for certain renewable energy projects in British Columbia. It centralizes many approvals under the BC Energy Regulator and removes some steps that can slow projects down. It also lets the government add more projects to this fast-track list by regulation.

• Applies to 9 selected wind projects and the North Coast Transmission Line from around Prince George to around Terrace; more projects can be added later.
• Creates “levels” of streamlining that reduce or change which rules apply, with the most sweeping changes for some designated projects.
• Exempts these named projects (and any later ones prescribed) from the provincial Environmental Assessment Act.
• Lets the energy regulator issue or manage permits normally handled by other agencies, including for farmland (ALR), wildlife, and heritage.
• Allows the regulator to set or waive fees and charge levies to recover its costs from project proponents.
• Validates regulator actions taken since April 1, 2024, and sets up transitional cost recovery through June 30, 2026.

What it means for you#

• Residents and ratepayers

  • Faster build-out of wind power and a major transmission line could help meet growing electricity demand and support electrification.
  • Construction could bring local jobs and activity along project routes.
  • Environmental Assessment will not apply to the named wind and transmission projects, so there will be fewer formal public review steps than usual for those projects.
  • Some Energy Regulator processes that allow public requests for investigations will not apply to certain fast-tracked projects.

• Nearby communities and landowners

  • Permits may be issued more quickly, so you may see earlier construction, road use, noise, and visual impacts from turbines and lines.
  • The regulator can permit non-farm uses, soil/fill activities, and subdivision on Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) land if needed for these projects, reducing the usual role of the Agricultural Land Commission.
  • Some environmental protection and cleanup rules under the Energy Resource Activities Act do not apply to certain designated projects, especially those in the most streamlined tier.

• Farmers and ALR landowners

  • The energy regulator can authorize non-farm uses or subdivisions in the ALR to support these projects without going through the usual ALC application process.
  • This could make it easier to place turbines, power lines, or related facilities on ALR land, with limits or conditions set by the regulator.

• Indigenous Peoples

  • The bill says regulations cannot change legal requirements for engagement with Indigenous peoples under provincial law.
  • However, the Environmental Assessment Act will not apply to the named projects, so EA-specific consultation processes will not occur for them. Engagement may happen through other legal duties and permits.

• Businesses and workers

  • Renewable developers may face fewer approval steps and a single point of contact at the energy regulator, which can shorten timelines.
  • The regulator can adjust fees and charge levies to recover its costs, which project proponents must pay.
  • Existing wind projects with an Environmental Assessment certificate can be shifted into this framework; their EA certificate would be canceled and replaced with a regulator permit that carries over conditions.

• Local governments

  • You may see shorter timelines to coordinate on road use, permitting, and construction impacts.
  • Some public investigation and dormant-site tools in the energy law will not apply to certain streamlined projects, shifting how issues are raised and resolved.

Expenses#

Estimated impact on taxpayers: administration costs are designed to be recovered from project proponents.

• The regulator can increase, decrease, or waive application and permitting fees (with approval) for these projects.
• The regulator can levy industry to recover its annual costs to run this new framework, starting with the 2024 fiscal year.
• During a transition period (April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2026), the regulator can bill specified proponents (including BC Hydro for the North Coast line) for its expenses; each bill must be posted publicly.
• Project proponents will bear these costs; impacts on electricity rates or project prices are not specified.

Proponents' View#

• Speeds up clean power projects needed for growing demand, electrification, and climate goals.
• Cuts duplication by moving many approvals to one regulator and waiving a separate Environmental Assessment for named projects.
• Creates clear, predictable rules so companies can invest and build sooner.
• Helps deliver the North Coast Transmission Line to connect industry and communities to clean power.
• Allows targeted use of ALR land with conditions, keeping projects on track while managing impacts.
• Cost recovery through fees and levies funds oversight without new taxpayer spending.

Opponents' View#

• Bypassing the Environmental Assessment Act for named projects reduces independent review and formal public input.
• Some public oversight tools are removed (such as public requests for investigations), which may weaken transparency and accountability.
• Excluding dormant- and orphan-site rules, and some environmental protection provisions for certain projects, could reduce safeguards if a project is abandoned or causes harm.
• Allowing energy projects on ALR land via regulator permission may undermine farmland protection.
• Centralizing more powers in the regulator, and broad regulation-making powers to modify rules, concentrates decision-making and may limit checks and balances.
• Costs billed to BC Hydro and other proponents could be passed through to ratepayers or consumers, though the bill does not say how.