Ontario launches Tough Actions To Improce Air Quality

TORONTO -- The Ontario government will impose strict emissions limits on the electricity sector and require the Lakeview Generating Station in Mississauga to cease burning coal, Environment Minister Elizabeth Witmer announced today.

"The government is keeping its promise to ensure the environmental integrity of the future electricity market in Ontario," Witmer said. "Our review of coal-fired plants is now complete, and while this framework of actions comes with a price, the benefits will be priceless -- cleaner air and healthier communities across Ontario."

The proposed caps would drastically reduce current limits on six fossil-fuel plants currently owned by Ontario Power Generation; the limits on smog-causing nitrogen oxides would be reduced by 53 per cent, while the cap on acid rain-causing sulphur dioxide would be cut by 25 per cent. The government also proposed that the Lakeview Generating Station cease burning coal by April, 2005. These measures would ensure the government keeps its promise to match or exceed the tough smog requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Following a consultation period, through the Environmental Bill of Rights registry, the government would be in a position to lift the moratorium on the sale of coal-fired electricity plants imposed in 2000 and begin implementation of the air quality actions announced today.

"ItÂ’s important to understand that the electricity sector is just one piece of our overall air quality strategy," Witmer said. "With these measures in place, the government will now take aim at other sources of air pollution, such as further reductions from transportation and other industry sectors. Ontario is determined to continue setting the pace as a North American leader in air quality."

"The people of Mississauga are truly grateful that this government has acted where previous governments dragged their feet," said Margaret Marland, MPP for Mississauga South. "This announcement is the best news for the entire GTA airshed and everyone who lives in Ontario."

The government also released a discussion paper on a proposed emission reduction trading program. Once in place, this innovative system would provide industry with incentives to reduce emissions above and beyond regulated requirements.

Details on the proposed initiatives are available on the Environmental Bill of Rights (EBR) registry for public consultation.

SOURCE: Ontario Ministry of Environment http://www.ene.gov.on.ca