The Regional District of Central Kootenay board voted against joining the Sue Big Oil class action lawsuit at its February 20 meeting.
Area I Director Andy Davidoff brought forward a motion to join in, with hopes of saving ratepayers money in the long run, and protecting children from pollution.
“It’s time we did something for future generations and our ratepayers, and not be timid about looking to who should pay,” he said.
Sue Big Oil’s campaign aims to hold the world’s largest oil companies accountable for a fair share of the costs associated with climate change. Representatives from the West Kootenay chapter presented to the board in January.
Sue Big Oil asks local governments to allocate at least $1 per resident, with the goal of raising $500,000 to get a class action lawsuit certified. If the RDCK committed, it would contribute $62,509.
Village of Silverton Director Leah Main said she agrees with holding corporations accountable, but wondered if the federal and provincial governments were better suited to take action, rather than local governments.
RDCK Board Vice Chair and Village of Nakusp Director Aidan McLaren-Caux worried that the lawsuit could backfire and end up raising fossil fuel prices.
“People with power and money tend to keep their power and money… I worry that the effect of this will not reduce consumption of fossil fuels, but will hurt the people who can afford it the least,” he said.
City of Nelson Director Keith Page was in support.
“Just because we may be confronted by parties who wish to hold onto their power and money, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be challenging the principle by which we are damaging the future,” he said.
Village of Slocan Director Jessica Lunn was also in support; her Village already resolved to join the cause last year. She said it’s an opportunity to take a leadership role as local governments.
“This is about advocating for corporate responsibility, and the responsibility of super polluters,” she said.
Area C Director Kelly Vandenberghe “absolutely opposed” it.
“I feel local government should not be involved in activism… activism and ideology is not a mandate of local government, in my view.”
Chair and Area D Director Aimee Watson noted the difference between activism and advocacy. She spends a large part of her time advocating for her communities – most recently for better telecom services in rural areas. However, she said she can’t support taking a dollar from people who are not voluntarily signing up for a lawsuit.
Area H Director Walter Popoff suggested the funds be used for RDCK services instead of being lost to getting the lawsuit off the ground. Both he and Area E Director Cheryl Graham have heard mixed reviews from their constituents.
A couple of residents came forward during public time – one for, and one against the motion.
“Is the RDCK actually considering how those long-term [climate] costs are going to be accommodated?” said one resident.
“Has the RDCK considered leaving people to make their own decisions on how they want to support [Sue Big Oil]?” said another.
In the end, 16 directors voted opposed. The RDCK will not move forward with supporting Sue Big Oil at this time, though Director Davidoff said he may bring forward another motion at the March meeting.
