British Columbia Comments on Recent Announcement about Energy Project EAO Exemption

January 31, 2025

Honourable Adrian Dix
Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Parliament Buildings
Victoria, British Columbia V8V 1X4

Re: Recent Announcement about Energy Project EAO Exemption

Dear Minister,

On behalf of the BC Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, I am responding to the provincial government’s recent announcement indicating an intention to exempt wind energy projects from the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) process. We are opposed to the exemption and believe any project like these should be subject to the EAO review process to ensure wildlife values and ecosystem health are protected as well as maintaining the transparency that the BC Government has promised in the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework.

Our organization champions wildlife and wilderness landscape conservation in the interest of safeguarding our super natural wonders for generations to come. We support a science based approach to wildlife management and land use decision making. Providing exemptions and circumventing the EAO process jeopardizes this approach and puts habitat and wildlife at risk.

The EAO process is a cornerstone of responsible project evaluation, providing a transparent framework to address environmental, economic, and stakeholder concerns. Its removal in the context of wind energy projects and any other project with a footprint on the landbase risks significant negative consequences for wildlife, habitat, ecosystem health, and the broader economic and social fabric of the province.

The management of natural habitat for all wildlife species in British Columbia is one of the core values of the BC Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Our organization firmly believes that effective and healthy habitat is critical to improve and sustain wildlife populations and provide high quality hunting, fishing, and low-impact recreational opportunities for future generations in this province.

We respectfully request the provincial government to reconsider this exemption and to maintain the EAO’s role in evaluating energy projects, including wind and solar. By ensuring these projects go through the review process, we can uphold the values of sustainability, transparency, and accountability that are essential to the long-term well-being of British Columbia.

Thank you for considering our concerns. We welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and to collaborate on solutions that respect both the environment, stakeholders, and citizens.

Sincerely,

Yours in conservation,
Andrew Van Vliet

Chair – BC Chapter Backcountry Hunters & Anglers