Alberta Premier Rachel Notley to talk climate change in Washington, D.C.

EDMONTON – Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says she is going to Washington, D.C. mainly to spread the word on her government’s climate-change plan.

Notley says Alberta taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint is a story that needs to be emphasized with decision-makers and those with reach and influence.

The premier is to fly out Wednesday and meet with elected officials and David MacNaughton, Canadian ambassador to the United States.

READ MORE: Alberta budget 2016: NDP opts to spend big, deficit hits $10.4B

Notley is to give a speech at the Center for Canadian Studies at John Hopkins University on Thursday.

Alberta’s climate-change plan outlines goals to cap oilsands emissions, eliminate coal-fired electricity and introduce a broad-based carbon tax.

READ MORE: How much is this carbon tax going to cost me?

Notley says when others see that Alberta is serious about environmental protection, it gives the province more credibility when it advocates for fossil-fuel infrastructure such as pipelines.

Notley’s three-day trip, which includes three political staff members, one department staff member and two security members, will cost $32,000.