ActBritish ColumbiaSwitched on and used

Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act (BC Bill 14) (Bill 14 (BC); SBC 2025, c. 12)

A British Columbia law to streamline permitting for designated energy projects. Section 14 exempts only the projects it lists (the North Coast Transmission Line, selected wind projects and others prescribed by regulation) from environmental assessment; it does not exempt renewable energy projects in general. It passed third reading on 28 May 2025 in a 46–46 tie broken by the Speaker's casting vote, received royal assent on 29 May 2025 and came into force on 1 July 2025 (B.C. Reg. 92/2025). The exemption covers the North Coast Transmission Line, under construction since 3 September 2026.

Stages

Passing a law is not the same as switching it on, and switching it on is not the same as using it. Each stage is dated where known.

1. Introduced 30 April 2025
2. Passed 28 May 2025
   BC Bills 14 and 15 pass third reading 46-46 on the Speaker's casting vote
3. Royal Assent 29 May 2025
4. In force 1 July 2025
   BC's Bill 14 comes into force, exempting the North Coast Transmission Line from the Environmental Assessment Act
5. First used 1 July 2025

Events

• 3 September 2026Construction begins on BC Hydro's North Coast Transmission Line from Prince George toward TerraceActionInvestment decisionBritish Columbia9 sources
• 1 July 2025BC's Bill 14 comes into force, exempting the North Coast Transmission Line from the Environmental Assessment ActActionLegislationBritish Columbia2 sources
• 28 May 2025BC Bills 14 and 15 pass third reading 46-46 on the Speaker's casting voteActionLegislationBritish Columbia2 sources
• about 28 May 2025Nisga'a Lisims Government backs BC's fast-track Bills 14 and 15, citing 'the new trade policies of the United States'StatementStatementBritish Columbia1 source