The Wilderness Committee responded with concern to the announcement of the initial cabinet of new BC Premier Christy Clark, who was sworn in earlier today.

"After a BC Liberal leadership campaign where environmental issues barely got a mention, we were looking for a signal that Clark's government would take environmental policy and wilderness protection more seriously," said Gwen Barlee, Policy Director at the Wilderness Committee.

Of particular concern is the fact the position of Minister of State for Climate Action has been dropped from cabinet. "This is a disturbing signal when it comes to the BC government's duty to meet its existing greenhouse gas emission targets," said Ben West, Healthy Communities Campaigner for the Wilderness Committee.

"BC's emission reduction targets are among the most ambitious in North America, but Premier Clark has not suggested in any way that she will provide an adequate plan to meet these legally binding commitments," added West. "Clark's dropping of any minister responsible for Climate Action suggests the implementation of such a plan is not a priority, and that is irresponsible and unacceptable."

The new BC environment minister is Kamloops MLA Terry Lake, who has no previous cabinet experience. Earlier this year, the Wilderness Committee released its "Top 11" priorities for 2011, which included calling for a plan to meet emission reduction targets, implementation of provincial endangered species legislation, a Pacific coast tanker ban, and a restoration of funding for the Ministry of Environment. (Click herefor the full Top 11 list.)

Contact:

Gwen Barlee, Wilderness Committee, Policy Director, 604-202-0322 (c)

Ben West, Wilderness Committee, Healthy Communities Campaigner, 604-710-5340 (c)