Orazietti supports offshore wind development

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

****************************** Ontario delivering renewable energy eliminating reliance on coal

Province ensuring additional environmental protection for offshore wind development

SAULT STE. MARIE - The province is planning to put in place additional off-shore energy safety measures in order to increase renewable energy generation while also protecting the environment and creating jobs in the region, David Orazietti MPP announced today.

“Our government is proposing environmental safety regulations that include a five kilometre minimum setback exclusion zone for offshore wind turbines to protect drinking water sources and ecologically sensitive areas near the shoreline,” said Orazietti. “Ontario’s leading edge renewable energy strategy is continuing to build a stronger more diversified economy in Sault Ste. Marie and is delivering high quality, well-paying jobs and positioning our city to be at the forefront of a growing industry.”

Ontario’s Ministry of Environment is currently reviewing public comments on proposed land and offshore wind turbine projects north of Sault Ste. Marie.

The ministry originally posted its policy proposal recommendations on the Environmental Registry for a 60-day comment period on June 25, 2010 and invited public stakeholders to comment on them.

The ministry extended that period an additional two weeks to a 74-day public review period in order to provide Algoma residents with more time to ask questions and express concerns.

The purpose and a description of the provincial policy proposal can be found here and entering the number 010-7895.

For further information the public can contact Barry Duffey at the Ministry of the Environment at (416) 325-7893 or [email protected].

Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources also posted proposed policy for using offshore crown land for wind turbines on August 18, 2010 for public comment.

This posting can be found here and is open for a 47-day public comment period that extends until October 4, 2010. 

All comments will be considered as part of the decision-making process by MNR if submitted in writing or electronically, with EBR registry number 011-0907.

Processing of any application for the use of offshore crown land for wind turbines will not be considered until the newly proposed rules and regulations have been finalized by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

For further information the public can contact Kim Mihell at the Ministry of Natural Resources at (705)941-5138 or kim.mihell@ontario.

Recently local media reported that our federal representative, Tony Martin opposes wind power development and implied the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of the Environment have been hiding information related to wind development in Ontario.

The Ontario government has provided all information related to wind power development to the public as it becomes available.

“Its not surprising that our federal representative does not support our renewable energy initiatives given his dismal record in government on renewable energy and environmental protection,” said Orazietti. “We cannot continue to ignore the negative health effects and damage to our environment from coal-fired emissions and I would hope the misguided opposition to clean energy development recognizes the importance of ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations.”

Kathleen Brosemer, a prominent community environmental advocate and Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit recipient, recently sent Tony Martin a public letter stating and that it is “appalling that there are those among us who object to even a visual impact” of wind turbines when “wind energy has the lowest environmental impact of any electrical energy production.”

The provincial government has made replacing coal-fired electricity a priority because even as of last year it was responsible for 246 deaths, 342 hospital admissions, 406 emergency room visits and almost 123,000 minor illnesses, such as asthma attacks, in Ontario.

The McGuinty government’s Green Energy Act placed a priority on expanding Ontario’s use of clean and renewable sources of energy, to help combat climate change and phase out coal.

Regulatory and policy work is underway to provide further clarity to project proponents and the public to ensure the protection of the environment and ecological sustainability.

The provincial Green Energy Act continues to boost investment in renewable energy projects, increase energy conservation, create green jobs and strengthen economic growth in Sault Ste. Marie.

Key provincial government investments to support green technology, protect the environment and create jobs in the Sault and Algoma include:

- Ontario power purchase agreement to facilitate $400 million investment by Brookfield Renewable Power - largest wind farm in Ontario.

- Ontario power purchase agreement to facilitate $135 million capital investment by Essar Steel in 70 MW co-gen plant - eliminating 400 tons of Nitrous Oxide.

- Ontario power purchase agreement to facilitate $100 million capital investment by Starwood Energy in 20 MW solar farm.

- Over $7 million to green Sault Ste. Marie schools including energy retrofits.

- $6 million in provincial gas tax funding has reduced air emissions through increased public transportation ridership.

- $3 million to Sault Ste. Marie and Region Conservation Authority for water protection.

- $2.5 million for Heliene Canada to build a $6 million solar module manufacturing plant that will create 36 jobs.

- $2 million for tire recycling project in Sault Ste. Marie.

- $1.4 million to construct methane collection system at landfill to reduce greenhouse gases.

- $135,000 to support SITTM Technologies biofuel project.

- Certificate of approval for Elementa’s innovative waste-to-energy project.

- Introduction of water opportunities and conservation legislation that will create high skills jobs and make Ontario an international leader in the water and wastewater technology sector

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