Date: Mon, 31 Jul 2006 14:39:13 -0700
From: Scott Frederick <scott451@gmx.net>
Subject: [KCUTS] Conservationists and Local Government Leader Dismayed by Province's Commitment to Dirty Power
Hello Kootenaycuts,
The press release below went to all media today.
Cheers,
Casey Brennan
casey@wildsight.ca
250-423-2603 - t
250-423-0402 - c
MEDIA RELEASE
July 28, 2006
For immediate release
Conservationists and Local Government Leader Dismayed
by Province's Commitment to Dirty Power
VANCOUVER, BC -- Conservation organizations Wildsight and Pembina
Institute today joined the Mayor of Princeton in expressing dismay at
BC Hydro's long-term commitment to purchase power from two proposed
coal-burning plants.
Compliance Energy's Princeton Power Project and Hillsborough Resources
and AES Wapiti Energy's Wapiti Power Project will release pollutants
into the air as well as increase BC's greenhouse gas emissions by as
much as 1.7 million tonnes each year.
"Coal-fired power plants are major sources of a wide range of
pollutants, such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen
oxides that cause smog and acid rain. They emit heavy metals,
especially mercury, which is also a health concern," says Karen
Campbell, the Pembina Institute's legal counsel. "In Ontario, the
government has estimated that air pollution from coal-fired power
plants is responsible for the premature deaths of 668 people per year
in the province."
"It is hard to believe that the government is committing BC to dirty
coal that will cause massive increases in toxic pollution and make it
even more difficult for the people of BC to address the climate
crisis," said Casey Brennan, Wildsight program manager for energy and
mining.
Conservationists are not alone in their concern. Princeton Mayor Randy
McLean is also very worried about what Compliance Energy's plant will
mean for the Similkameen Valley. "It is disturbing that our provincial
government is embracing a minimally updated nineteenth century
technology that other provinces are phasing it out. How can we
promote tourism and real estate investment under the cloud of a
coal-burning plant? I am concerned for the future of our valley and
the people who live here. Industry profit at the expense of everyone's
environment is unacceptable."
"I am worried for my children's and grandchildren's health," said
Princeton rancher Brad Hope. "The air pollutants and toxic mercury
emissions from dirty coal that will be released into our airshed will
accumulate and impact the health of all living creatures in my
community."
"This decision could be the first of many, as there are coal deposits
across BC, said Wildsight's Brennan. "Instead of committing to dirty
coal, we need a stronger focus on energy efficiency and developing
more renewable energy sources", added Campbell.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Casey Brennan, Wildsight Energy and Mining Program Manager
250-423-2603 - w
250-423-0402 - c
Karen Campbell, Pembina Institute Staff Counsel and Director of BC
Policy
604-928-2258 - c
Randy McLean, Mayor of Princeton B.C.
250-295-5478 -c
Brad Hope
250-295-3512 - w
About Wildsight
Wildsight works locally, regionally and globally to protect
biodiversity and encourage sustainable communities in Canada's
Columbia and Southern Rocky Mountain region. Wildsight received the
2005 Canadian Environmental Award for Conservation in recognition of
its successful work to protect the region's wildlife and wildlands.
For more information, please visit www.wildsight.ca
<http://www.wildsight.ca/> .
About the Pembina Institute
The Pembina Institute creates sustainable energy solutions through
innovative research, education, consulting and advocacy. It promotes
environmental, social and economic sustainability in the public
interest by developing practical solutions for communities,
individuals, governments and businesses. The Pembina Institute
provides policy research leadership and education on climate change,
energy issues, green economics, energy efficiency and conservation,
renewable energy, and environmental governance. More information about
the Pembina Institute is available at http://www.pembina.org
<http://www.pembina.org/> or by contacting: info@pembina.org
--
Only 1021 organising days until the next BC provincial election.
Best regards,
Scott mailto:scott451@gmx.net
--