Announcement on wind power empty gesture for Ontario communities
TORONTO, May 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Without a commitment to respect the wishes of Ontario's rural and small urban communities with regard to huge wind power projects, and no details on the future of existing power contracts, the Ontario government's announcement today of changes to the renewable energy program is an empty gesture, says Wind Concerns Ontario (WCO).
"No means no," says President Jane Wilson. "Communities all over the province have said they are not willing hosts to wind power projects, and the real problems of health impacts and reduced property values."
Today's announcement is an admission that the Green Energy Act has been a failure, Wilson adds. "There are no details here. What about communities who don't want the power projects but FIT contracts were awarded? Will those projects still be approved?"
WCO has long called for an end to the subsidy program and a return of local land use planning powers. "Ontario communities have been ripped apart by this government's policies—this announcement hasn't changed anything."
SOURCE: Wind Concerns Ontario
Contact Jane Wilson at 613-489-3591/613-725-7120
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