Coal Regulations: Not enough is still not enough!

OTTAWA – Today’s announcement by federal environment minister Peter Kent will further relax already grossly-inadequate regulations for coal-fired power plant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Despite growing evidence of climate change, particularly this summer’s record Arctic Ocean ice-loss, the government of Canada continues to ignore the science.

“Arctic Ocean ice is at an all-time low and we are in the midst of a record breaking year for heat waves, droughts and torrential rain storms,” said Sierra Club Canada Executive Director John Bennett. “We don’t have 50 years to fix this problem as the regulations will allow – action is needed now!”

“Coal burning power plants supply about 20% of Canada’s electricity but produce 77% of Canada’s GHG emissions from electricity generation. Shutting down coal plants would be the single most effective means of rapidly reducing emissions,” said Mr. Bennett.

Sierra Club Canada is adamant that there are no technical or economic barriers to eliminating coal-fired electricity in Canada. Efficiency, conservation and existing renewable sources can meet the electricity needs of Canadians today!

“Mr. Kent has never explained how he will enforce regulations 50 years from now,” said Mr. Bennett. “Kent’s announcement is a either a bad joke or an insult to the intelligence of Canadians. It’s amazing he can make these announcements with a straight face!”

RELATED: Northern hemisphere cryosphere animation of Arctic ice-loss over the past 30 days

RELATED: Thousands of Canadians demand for Canada to go beyond coal, Media Release, Oct.27, 2011

John Bennett, Executive Director
Sierra Club Canada
613.291.6888
Executive.Director@sierraclub.ca
John on Twitter / Bennett Blog