Exciting Escapades of Tintin
In the political landscape of Quebec, there have been notable changes in environmental policies over the years.
In 2022, Benoit Charette, a former minister of the environment, indicated that the government would consider an 'enhanced' version of the GNL Québec gas pipeline and liquefaction plant project, a project he had previously rejected in 2021. This shift comes as François Legault, the current premier, expresses satisfaction with his economic record and a desire for Quebecers to remember him for it above all.
Legault, who has shown enthusiasm for hydrocarbons in the past, appears liberated from the obligation to address environmental issues, a subject that was previously seen as a kind of cloud-pushing quirk. This liberalisation likely reflects Legault's fundamental approach to business development, which is allergic to any obstacles.
In contrast, Bernard Drainville, a former Parti Québécois MP, had once proposed making Quebec the first oil-free and truly green economy in North America in 2015. However, after his appointment as the Minister of the Environment, he indicated a plan to reassess the target of having 2 million electric vehicles on Quebec roads by 2030, suggesting a potential downward revision.
The environmental policies in Quebec have seen significant changes over the years. In 2022, oil and gas exploration or exploitation were banned on Quebec territory. Yet, the ban does not exclude the passage of abandoned gas or oil pipelines if new promoters emerge.
The changes in Quebec's environmental policies are not isolated incidents. Across the border, young Americans are challenging Trump in court over his climate rollbacks, alleging that the current government is violating their fundamental rights by promoting oil and gas.
Meanwhile, Chrystia Freeland, a prominent Canadian politician, has stepped down from her ministerial role and become Ukraine's representative, remaining in Ottawa and keeping her seat as a member of Parliament.
In June 2022, Benoit Charette revealed the latest version of his 2025-2030 Green Economy Action Plan, reaffirming the target of reducing GHG emissions by 37.5% by 2030 compared to their 1990 level. This plan comes as Drainville's predecessor had also hinted at a possible revision of the goal.
The political landscape of Quebec and Canada, as well as the world, continues to evolve in response to environmental concerns. The American Leviathan, a natural gas project, has caused a stir that has forced a re-evaluation of priorities around the world. As these changes unfold, it remains to be seen how they will shape the future of environmental policies.
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