New oil and gas royalty system ending inefficient subsidies…

VICTORIA, BC: The Province is introducing a new oil and gas royalty system that puts the interests of British Columbians first and eliminates outdated and inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies.

“Our province is blessed with abundant resources, which belong to all of us. But for too long, a broken system of fossil-fuel subsidies has failed to align with our climate goals or ensure people fully benefit from these resources,” said Premier John Horgan. “That’s why we’re fixing the outdated oil and gas royalty system by eliminating the largest fossil-fuel subsidy in British Columbia. This will give British Columbians a fair return and allow us to invest in their priorities – like improving services, bringing down costs and tackling carbon pollution.”

The new system will eliminate the Deep Well Royalty Program, the largest oil and gas subsidy, as well as other outdated and inefficient programs, such as the Marginal Well, Ultramarginal Well, Low Productivity Well Rate Reduction and the Clean Growth Infrastructure Royalty programs.

The new system will apply to all new wells. It will be phased in during two years starting on Sept. 1, 2022. In 2017,  Alberta announced it would modernize its royalty system over a 10-year period.

“This new system is long overdue and will replace an outdated system that was in place for nearly three decades,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “This will support vital public services, such as roads and hospitals, while advancing continued environmental protection for British Columbians.” 

A new minimum royalty rate of 5% will be in effect, which is a significant increase from the current 3%. This increase will provide more revenue for public services and climate action. It also recognizes the surplus of credits that companies have accumulated and the need for British Columbians to get a fair return.

“The new system is a good start to simplify, modernize, and eliminate outdated programs,” said Nancy Olewiler, director and professor, school of public policy, Simon Fraser University. “I look forward to seeing the new system implemented and more details on how the Government of British Columbia will continue to use the royalty system to incent efficient production and maximize shared value for British Columbians.”

Under the new system, existing credits will expire in four years unless transferred to an environmentally focused land healings and emissions reductions pool. Using this pool, companies may use credits to fund healing the land and emission-reduction work, but only if it is beyond regulatory requirements.

This new system is the outcome of extensive public engagement that included industry, environmental groups and First Nations. Most of the feedback favoured a revamped framework that puts British Columbians first and protects the environment.

Written and released by BC Government