P.E.I.'s July Gas Prices To Rise. How Much?
Clean Fuel Regulations start in July. P.E.I. politicians fight over the cost it will add to the pumps.
"King's Dilemma: Go Green Or Live In The Present?"
Cody MacKay has written a news story. It is about an event that happened. It was published on CBC News.
The blog was posted on May 24, 2023 at 5:00 AM EDT. It was last updated on the same day.
Gas prices will go up on Prince Edward Island during the summer. The exact amount is not certain. The cost to fill up your car might increase.
The government will make new Clean Fuel Regulations in July. People are arguing about how much it will cost.
On Tuesday at the P.E.I. legislature, Jamie Fox asked the premier some questions. Islanders will soon have to pay more for heating oil, propane, gas, and diesel because of the carbon tax.
King mentioned that they consulted with IRAC, but they still don't know how much gas will cost after the Clean Fuel Regulations.
He said it might be 8-10 cents per litre.
The premier hasn't talked to Minister Guilbeault yet.
We wrote to him as the chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, but he has not responded yet. We are working to arrange a meeting, hopefully as soon as tomorrow.
Canada wants to lower carbon emissions by 2030. The Clean Fuel Regulations are going to help. Gas and diesel makers will have to cut the carbon intensity of their fuels.
Ottawa wants cleaner fuel and less emissions from fuel producers, including the Maritime's refinery in Saint John, N.B. The Clean Fuel Regulations don't mean a tax, but they give rewards to fuel producers or importers who use clean tech through a credit system.
On May 18th, the PBO revealed a report. The report states that people in Prince Edward Island may pay more money. They could pay an extra $569 per year. The new system may cause this. This could happen by 2030.
The Clean Fuel Regulations could hurt household income by raising gas and diesel prices, says the PBO. The policy is "broadly regressive". Over seven years, prices could increase by 17 cents per litre.
Minister Responds To Clean Fuel Rules Analysis By PBO
Guilbeault disagreed with the budget watchdog's report on regulations. Some parties criticized the PBO for ignoring the cost of inaction on climate change.
Looking For A Solid Hold
King said to CBC News after Question Period on Tuesday that the IRAC's estimate isn't official. The Atlantic premiers want to know the impact of the proposed increase in fuel prices. Guilbeault needs to share more information.
He said that we can't afford another increase in gas prices, considering the economic situation. He wants to see the numbers and make sure it's under control.
King mentioned that Prince Edward Island aims to join the effort to decrease carbon emissions. However, the impact of national regulations is more severe in P.E.I. due to the high cost of living. This cost is mainly due to expensive imports from other parts of Canada.
King said we aim to lead and help reduce carbon in our province, but we must acknowledge the present.
We are paying a high cost for groceries and gas. It might be unbearable.
King wants to focus on this. He will have a meeting in Ottawa. The meeting will have four Atlantic premiers, Guilbeault and Trudeau.
He said it's not the right time to increase the pump price. Our region has suffered a lot and we can't afford any more expenses.
Cody MacKay works for CBC News in Prince Edward Island. He's a writer, editor, and social media producer. MacKay went to UPEI for history and Carleton for journalism. He's from Summerside and CBC hired him in 2017. If you need to talk to him, email [email protected]. Or, you can find him on social media as @CodyBMac.
