Tories question Green Energy Act

Ontario Green Energy Act debate centers on municipal control, wind projects, renewable energy policy, and transparency, with calls for a moratorium pending independent, peer reviewed health studies and improved public consultation across Ontario.

The Progressive Conservatives tabled a motion at Queens Park asking the Liberal government to restore green energy planning decisions to municipalities.

Under the Green Energy Act, which was established in 2009, the province created parameters that made it easier for renewable energy proponents to fast-track wind projects without consulting municipalities in an attempt to avoid delay tactics, Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop said recently.

What we want is all planning responsibilities happening at the local level, Dunlop said. Its not transparent at all.

The motion is also calling for a moratorium on all new wind projects in the province until a comprehensive, independent, peerreviewed scientific study can confirm that such projects do not pose a health risk to the communities in which they are located.

We have been inundated with people from across Ontario opposed to wind energy projects, even as environmental groups support big wind initiatives, Dunlop said.

The Progressive Conservatives are taking advantage of one of four Opposition Days available during this legislative sitting to force debate on the issue, as delays threaten Ontario's renewable power goals across the province.

Basically, its a chance for the opposition to put a motion through to debate it, including how to address wind farm NIMBYs in communities, Dunlop said. It will do what parliament is supposed to do — debate about it.

Dunlop is more concerned with the part of the motion calling for a restoration of decision making to the municipalities, than a moratorium on wind projects because Orillia doesnt have a high potential for windenergy projects, unlike other parts of the province, he said.

But, earlier in April, The Packet & Times reported on seven large solarpanel projects in OroMedonte and Severn townships being awarded to a U. S firm without the municipalities knowing about the projects.

Its not fair to the municipalities and its not fair to the residents, Dunlop said, adding that the process is taking a step away from transparency.

The Opposition questioned the Liberal government at Queens Park about bypassing municipalities, as Scarborough residents continue to fight a local turbine project, when it comes to industrial wind projects.

Can you tell me, acting premier, why have you made it so Ontario families have no say about industrial wind projects in their own backyard? Bruce GreyOwen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch asked.

The Minster of Energy and Infrastructure Brad Duguid responded, Mr. Speaker, thats simply not the case. There are numerous opportunities for public input and involvement in the renewable projects…. The proponent of the project must, must consult with the municipality and community. Its not an option they have to consult with the municipality and they have to consult with the community.... This is a thorough process.

He added that the current process cuts back on red tape, ensuring action takes place with green energy projects, and that the province should not back down on wind turbines amid opposition.

Orillia councillor Maurice McMillan said under the Green Energy Act, municipalities are subject to the province telling them whats in their area of jurisdiction, citing the awarding of solar panel projects in OroMedonte and Severn as examples.

Its absolutely ridiculous, McMillan said, adding that the process is undemocratic. If you cant evaluate and judge as elected representatives of the people, were losing our basic rights.

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