New Premier’s Priority — Greening Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s new premier has wasted no time in putting his stamp on a new ‘green’ initiative.
As part of his commitment to the environment and fighting climate change, the Government is investing $19 million in rebates to support low-income families in making their homes more comfortable and energy-efficient, and to help Nova Scotians buy clean, reliable, electric vehicles.
The premier says, “Bold action on climate change is a priority.” Iain Rankin says, “We know it's possible to have a cleaner economy that creates jobs, supports a healthy environment, and benefits all Nova Scotians. Electric vehicles, more comfortable homes, healthier communities and careers in renewable energy and efficiency will help our province and the planet.”
Half of the $19 million — $9.5 million which will come from the Green Fund — will go to HomeWarming and the Affordable Multi-Family Housing energy efficiency programs. This will help 1,200 more low-income Nova Scotians make their homes more comfortable and protect their family budgets.
More than half the Green Fund will be spent to support those most in need.
The other half will be invested in a rebate program for new and used electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and e-bikes. Rebates will be $3,000 per new vehicle and $2,000 for used vehicles, with $500 for e-bikes. This will be in addition to the $5,000 federal rebate available for new electric vehicles.
Nova Scotia will join the federal government in buying energy from new, local, renewable sources through the Green Choice program.
By 2025, all electricity for provincial government offices will be from renewable energy projects. This will reduce the province's greenhouse gas emissions and create new jobs, without impacting Nova Scotians' electricity bills.
It will also move toward a new renewable energy standard, with 80 per cent of Nova Scotia's energy coming from renewable sources by 2030.
Renewable energy sources feeding into Nova Scotia's power grid has tripled over the past 10 years.
For more info on the Green Choice program, go to https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200226008.
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