Ontario removing barriers to Green Energy

TORONTO, ONTARIO - The proposed Green Energy Act would eliminate the barriers that have held up renewable energy projects in the past, and make it easier to get new wind turbines, solar panels and biofuel plants online and on to the grid while protecting the environment, says Premier Dalton McGuinty.

The Green Energy Act, to be introduced in the Ontario legislature later this month, would establish Ontario as a leader in North America in building renewable energy, encouraging energy conservation and creating green jobs.

"Ontarians are looking for action on renewable energy. We are securing jobs and a greener future by moving more quickly on worthwhile projects. We need those jobs, and we need to clean up the air," said Premier Dalton McGuinty.

The bill would address local bylaws and regulations that are used to delay or stop proposed renewable energy projects. It would also provide generators with the tools necessary to navigate the approvals processes.

The bill would also help the government ensure our province's future by:

• Supporting and expanding economic investment, thus building a stronger, greener economy with an estimated 50,000+ direct and indirect jobs over the next three years;

• Expanding Ontario's use of clean and renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar, hydro, biomass and biogas;

• Developing a smarter electricity grid better adapted to renewable energy projects.

"One of the biggest impediments to attracting green energy investment in the province has been the layers of approvals. We'll be introducing legislation soon that would make it easier and quicker for prospective developers to bring green energy onto the grid," said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.