New Brunswick’s environment and climate change minister expressed confidence in the province’s ability to meet its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target despite a significant increase in the most recent data. The minister, Gilles LePage, had previously stated this optimism in the legislature before figures were released showing an 11.4 percent rise in emissions in 2024.
LePage affirmed to a committee of MLAs on April 8 that they were progressing towards the goal of 10.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. However, the 2024 data revealed an increase in emissions to 12.8 million tonnes from 11.5 million the previous year, posing a challenge to reaching the 2030 target.
Moe Qureshi, the director of climate research and policy at the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, expressed concern about the recent spike in emissions but hoped it was a temporary occurrence. Despite the surge in 2024, New Brunswick’s overall emissions have been showing a downward trend over the past two decades, with some exceptions.
LePage remained optimistic, stating that based on current projections, they were still on course to achieve the 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target. He attributed much of the 2024 spike to N.B. Power generating more electricity from fossil-fuel plants due to the extended shutdown of the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station, which he characterized as an isolated event.
The higher emissions figures coincided with the shutdown of Point Lepreau for maintenance, with plans for it to resume operations before increased demand during colder weather, potentially necessitating the use of high-emission plants. Concurrently, LePage’s department was reviewing an environmental impact assessment for a proposed data center and natural gas plant in Lorneville, which could become a significant emitter in the province.
Qureshi raised concerns about the potential rise in emissions from upcoming projects and highlighted the need to focus on emission reduction efforts. LePage emphasized the importance of ongoing evaluation to ensure progress in the right direction. Moreover, the province’s industrial carbon-pricing system aimed to reduce emissions through funded projects, but more substantial efforts would be needed to offset the impact of new emissions sources like the Lorneville gas plant.
The province’s carbon-pricing system sets emission standards for major polluters, requiring annual reductions until reaching a specified target in 2030. LePage mentioned plans for an updated Climate Change Action Plan by 2027-28 to continue the government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safeguarding the environment.