B.C.'s leading environmentalist is welcoming the Campbell government's announcement that it plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by one-third by 2020.

"I'm very encouraged by this," said David Suzuki, who has spent a lifetime campaigning for environmental action.

Premier Gordon Campbell is seen by environmentalist David Suzuki as capable of making a big shift with his new green plans.
(CBC)

He said the government's throne speech promise to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is evidence of a real change, and he's hopeful Premier Gordon Campbell will follow through.

"Maybe I am being Polyanna, but I think this man is capable of making this kind of shift, and I have great hopes for it. You know, the devil is in the details. I'm going to be very, very interested in exactly what the details are."

The government plan includes setting strict new standards for car emissions, coal-fired power plants and the oil and gas industry.

Campbell, who will also head a climate change action team that will set interim emissions targets, acknowledged some people will be skeptical about the plan.

"I think 2006 was a time when, frankly, the world woke up to the challenges that are created by climate change. As I read about it, as I experienced it in my own life, I felt that it was something we should do," said the premier.

Schwarzenegger endorses plan

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from cars is a part of B.C.'s new environmental plans.
(CBC)

Campbell said he plans to promote a West Coast green plan in concert with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and his counterparts in Alaska, Washington and Oregon

The premier's decision is being applauded by Schwarzenegger, who has already set emissions standards in his state.

In a statement released Tuesday, Schwarzenegger said he's pleased B.C. has joined the fight, and that he looks forward to meeting Campbell and working with him on the issue.

'Flowery words' don't impress NDP

The premier said it's too early to say if the plan will require legislation. And so far, there's no talk of penalties or enforcement, something that makes NDP Leader Carole James doubtful.

"I think what we saw once again in this throne speech was lots of flowery words, but the government's actions don't meet their words," she said.

James said the plan has no teeth, and thinks the government should start by capping greenhouse gas emissions at current levels.

She also said that many other issues — such as homelessness, child care, low-income problems and housing affordability — were left out of the speech entirely.