Call to Action: Let NB Municipal Candidates hear your concerns for the proposed Tantramar Diesel/Gas

Municipal leaders play a critical role in shaping our future—especially when it comes to climate change, clean air and water, and energy security. Right now, NB Power is proposing a new diesel/gas plant in the Tantramar area. This project could increase energy bills, lock communities into fossil fuels for decades, and put important ecosystems at risk. We know once one plant is allowed, others may follow, possibly opening the door to fracking and gas pipelines. 

The proposed site—the Tantramar Marshes—is a vital habitat for wildlife and birds. Building and operating a plant here, along with increased traffic and risk of spills, threatens this unique environment and the species that depend on it.

Candidates in this election have a voice. They can speak out against harmful projects and champion solutions that make energy cleaner, more affordable, and better for the communities they seek to serve.

Elections NB has a convenient list of phone numbers and emails of candidates. Go here to find your municipal candidates’ contact information. Send an email or call candidates to find out where they stand. Please be sure to tell us when you get a response from your candidates! Send us an email at atlantic@sierraclub.ca

Here is a sample letter you can send to candidates running to represent you in Council or as Mayor:

Dear [Name of candidate],

Thank you for running to represent me as a leader in the upcoming municipal elections.

I am very concerned that a new diesel / gas plant is planned for the Tantramar area, and am writing to ask if elected you will actively oppose this plant.

Some of my major concerns include:

– The plant will raise electricity rates for all New Brunswickers while making climate change worse;

– Locking in new fossil fuels also means we are not investing in renewable energy and storage options that will create safe, secure energy for our community into the future;

– New gas plants could pave the way to allowing fracking and fossil fuel pipelines down the road;

– Protecting clean water and clean air in our community is very important to me, and I am concerned that if this plant is approved, it will threaten water resources in the region and pollution from the plant will result in health impacts for those living nearby; and 

– The Chignecto Isthmus is a vital corridor for birds and wildlife: this special place is the wrong location for a gas plant.

Please respond to this letter to let me know your position with regard to building new fossil fuel plants in New Brunswick, and whether you will use your voice, if elected, to instead champion renewable energy and storage to power our community.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME + ADDRESS + PHONE AND EMAIL