Youth and environmental groups sue federal government over climate policy changes

Three young people and two environmental groups filed an application in Federal Court on Monday asking the court to order the federal government to produce a climate plan that meets Canada's legally binding 2030 emissions targets. The notice of application states that the government has eliminated, weakened or significantly altered key measures of the emissions-reduction plan since it was established.

The suit alleges these changes violate the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which requires credible, science-based targets and a plan to achieve them.

Policy changes cited in the filing The application lists several policy shifts made since the current government took office. These include ending the consumer carbon tax, reversing the oil and gas emissions cap, and scrapping the electric vehicle sales mandate.

Additional measures referenced are continued fossil fuel subsidies for LNG projects, plans to expand LNG exports, and support for a potential bitumen pipeline to the West Coast.

Statements from the applicants "When political leaders say they are committed to climate action while dismantling the very policies needed to achieve it, young people notice," said Sophia Mathur, one of the youth applicants. " Charlie Hatt, climate director at Ecojustice, which is representing the plaintiffs, said the groups are seeking "a plan to achieve the target.

" Dr. " The government has outlined a climate competitiveness strategy that includes finalizing methane regulations, advancing investment tax credits, and offering electric vehicle rebates. Government and independent analyses indicate these measures are not projected to meet the 2030 targets.