ID: 1571
Presenting Author: Jennifer Grant
Session: 623 - Cumulative Effects: Whose Responsibility is it Anyway?
Status: pending
With its expanding renewable energy mandate, the BCER is exploring the interplay between regulatory authorities, project proponents, and Indigenous governments for CE implementation.
Cumulative effects management (CEM) in British Columbia remains a key priority and its implementation is complex and must consider evolving mandates, the clean energy transition, and the continued importance of Indigenous rights recognition. As a single-window regulator, BCER oversees permitting, environmental oversight, and Crown consultation, with delegated powers across land, water, wildlife, and heritage resources. As the BCER gathers input to inform new regulatory policy for expanded authorities for wind and solar projects, it is increasingly clear that cumulative effects management is shared responsibility. The Province is accountable for integrated natural resource management, including objective setting for land and marine environments. Proponents are responsible for project-level assessments, employing local and regional data. First Nations are advancing regional and rights-based approaches to land-use planning, embedding cultural & ecological values into decision-making frameworks. BCER is exploring these roles and responsibilities, and the interplay between regulatory authorities, project proponents, and Indigenous governments in the development of CE policy for renewable projects. Effective CEM will likely require aligning government policy and streamlined permitting with regional planning and Indigenous-led stewardship. As BC navigates the energy transition, the challenge lies in balancing efficiency with environmental integrity & reconciliation.
Jennifer Grant is Director of Cumulative Effects Implementation at the BC Energy Regulator.
Coauthor 1: Jennifer Grant