VICTORIA, B.C. – British energy company Drax has been consolidating wood pellet operations in British Columbia, controlling approximately two thirds of the industry. The B.C. Green Caucus is calling on government to suspend the company’s operating licenses.
“Today in question period I asked the Minister of Forests about the operations of Drax. This was following reputable reports that the company is utilizing primary forests to make wood pellets, which are then burned for power production,” said Adam Olsen, MLA for Saanich North and the Islands and member of Tsartlip First Nation.
“Wood pellets are more carbon intensive than burning coal. Exporting and burning wood pellets composed of B.C.’s primary forests is particularly egregious, especially since this government has promised again and again to protect old-growth.
“We are calling on the BC NDP to immediately suspend the licenses held by Drax and its subsidiaries throughout BC pending confirmation that Drax is not utilizing whole trees from primary forests in wood pellet production.”
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Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary
BC Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | [email protected]