Tories question Green Energy Act

subscribe

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 further 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, 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.

Basically, its a chance for the opposition to put a motion through to debate it, 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 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 projectsÂ…. 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.

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.

Related News

nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset

Hinkley C nuclear reactor roof lifted into place

LONDON - Engineers have lifted a steel roof onto a building which will house the first of two nuclear reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset.

Hundreds of people helped with the delicate operation to get the 245-tonne steel dome into position.

It means the first reactor can be installed next year, ready to be switched on in June 2027.

Engineers at EDF said the "challenging job" was completed in just over an hour.

They first broke the ground on the new nuclear station in March 2017. Now, some 10,000 people work on what is Europe's largest building site.

They have faced delays from Covid restrictions…

READ MORE
EU Flag

No deal Brexit could trigger electricity shock for Northern Ireland

READ MORE

alliant power

Alliant aims for carbon-neutral electricity, says plans will save billions for ratepayers

READ MORE

Effort to make Philippines among best power grids in Asia

READ MORE

powerline workers

PG&E keeps nearly 60,000 Northern California customers in the dark to reduce wildfire risk

READ MORE