Climate and Energy
Throughout West Coast’s history, we’ve been committed to transforming the legal landscape in ways that are more sustainable, more democratic and more just. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’re reflecting on five key moments that have made the organization into what it is today.
Port Moody, BC – Port Moody City Council released a public statement yesterday announcing its commitment to work with other BC local governments to bring a class action lawsuit against global fossil fuel companies to recover a fair share of the communities’ climate costs.
Burnaby, BC / Unceded Coast Salish Territories – Yesterday evening, Burnaby City Council voted 8-1 to support a class action lawsuit brought by BC local governments against the world’s largest fossil fuel companies. With Lower Mainland municipalities facing billions of dollars in climate change-related expenses, Burnaby is seeking to recover essential resources for BC communities and hold major polluters accountable for their role in climate change. Burnaby is the sixth and largest municipality in BC to pledge its support for the proposed lawsuit, and the first in the Lower Mainland.
Environmental and public interest groups are expressing frustration over proposed amendments to the Impact Assessment Act introduced in the Budget Implementation Act.
As the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion (TMX) commences operations, we reflect on key questions that remain after more than 10 years fighting for climate action, land and water protection, and Indigenous self-determination.
Vancouver City Council sues for bridge repairs, but rejects idea of suing fossil fuel companies for climate damages
What is a local government to do when it has a “funding gap” that will expose its residents to climate impacts and prevent it from meeting its climate goals? That’s the question that staff at the District of Saanich dealt with as they wrote up their fifth Annual Climate Plan Report Card.
The answer? They proposed that Saanich look into the option of collaborating with other local governments to sue global fossil fuel companies. And on Monday, February 12th, Saanich Council unanimously adopted their recommendation – instructing staff to explore that legal option further.
Slocan, BC – On Monday evening, Slocan Council voted 5-0 to work with other local governments towards a class action lawsuit against global fossil fuel companies for a share of the costs of climate change, and to pledge $1 per resident for that purpose once other local governments come on board.
Saanich, BC (Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ Territories) – In response to last night’s unanimous vote by Saanich Council to direct staff to explore collaboration with other local governments to bring a class action lawsuit against global fossil fuel companies, Andrew Gage, Staff Lawyer, stated:
In December 2023, the federal government released its Regulatory Framework for an Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap, which proposes key elements of a cap-and-trade system for oil-and-gas sector emissions.