Quebec Adds Climate Test to Public Projects

Summary#

This bill would add a “climate test” to major public infrastructure projects in Quebec. Its goal is to make sure new projects do not undermine Quebec’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and to make their climate impacts public.

• New projects cannot be added to the Quebec Infrastructure Plan unless the environment minister authorizes them.
• The minister must refuse a project if it would compromise Quebec’s GHG reduction goals.
• When allowing a project, the minister can set conditions to lower its emissions or climate impact.
• The government will set the review rules and criteria with help from environmental experts.
• The Infrastructure Plan must include a report on each project’s GHG emissions and climate impact.
• Government bodies must share data the minister needs to do these climate reviews.

What it means for you#

• Residents and commuters

  • Some projects may be redesigned to pollute less (for example, by using cleaner materials or different designs).
  • Projects that would raise emissions a lot could be delayed, changed, or not approved.
  • You would see more information about the climate impact of projects in the public plan.

• Workers and construction firms

  • Project plans may include new emissions limits or requirements (like cleaner equipment or materials).
  • There may be schedule changes if a project needs extra review or redesign to meet the climate test.

• Municipalities and public agencies

  • You would need to supply data on expected GHG emissions and climate impacts for your projects.
  • Projects may need added steps to meet conditions set by the environment minister.

• Taxpayers

  • The government would publish climate impact information for infrastructure projects, which could improve transparency about costs and benefits tied to emissions.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Public money should not fund projects that make it harder to meet Quebec’s climate goals.
• A clear climate test will push cleaner designs and technologies, cutting long-term emissions.
• Expert input and public reporting add transparency and accountability.
• Setting conditions on approvals is a flexible way to fix problems without stopping every project.
• Avoiding “high-emission lock-in” now may save future costs from climate damage and retrofits.

Opponents' View#

• A new authorization step could slow down urgent projects and add red tape.
• Criteria may be unclear at first, creating uncertainty for planners and builders.
• The minister’s power to refuse or change projects might be seen as too broad.
• Meeting new conditions could raise project costs or force redesigns.
• Quebec already has environmental reviews; this could duplicate existing processes.