New Nova Scotia Climate Commitments A Welcome Start - Beware of Devil in Details

Forest or Against Us, Halifax Climate March, Sept. 27, 2019
Media Release: February 25, 2021

K’jipuktuk (Halifax, NS) - Sierra Club Atlantic welcomes NS Premier Iain Rankin’s Day 1 announcement on climate action and hopes to see firm regulatory and funding commitments going forward. On February 24th, NS Premier Rankin and Environment and Climate Change Minister Irving announced a commitment to achieve 80% clean energy by 2030, $9.5 million electric vehicles rebates, and $9.5 million for energy efficiency.


“Dealing with climate change is a necessity, and making it a top priority will be key to any realistic energy and economic goals,” says Gretchen Fitzgerald, National Programs Director. “We hope this announcement signals a new approach to the climate emergency for the Nova Scotia government that will shape all decision-making going forward.”


“We could act immediately to turn off 30% of our coal fired plants and get to 90% renewables by 2030. Even to achieve the new 80% target announced today, we will need strong regulations and milestones,” explains Fitzgerald. “We also need to ensure we are supporting truly clean energy and local renewables and innovation through a credible renewable energy standard — not biomass and mega-hydro, such as the proposed Gull Island hydroelectric dam in Labrador, which would be even larger than Muskrat Falls.”


“The most strategic investment in home retrofits are deep retrofits that reduce energy use significantly and save money,” according to Greg Goubko, Clean Energy Campaigner for Sierra Club Atlantic. “The $9.5 million announced today for efficiency would only achieve this type of deep retrofit for about 200 homes. Greater investments are needed to truly make the most of energy efficiency opportunities and savings.”


“As we move beyond Day 1 in Premier Rankin’s mandate, we will be looking for strong regulation and renewable energy standards, a change in our approach to climate emergency on all policy fronts, and greater investments in energy transition. Green job creation must also prioritize BIPOC and underrepresented communities, as a way of addressing systemic racism as we build back post COVID,” adds Goubko.

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For more information, contact:
Gretchen Fitzgerald, National Programs Director
1-902-444-7096 / gretchenf@sierraclub.ca

Greg Goubko, Clean Energy Campaigner
1- 902-444-7096 / gregg@sierraclub.ca

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