Pat Hoy and Bruce Crozier – OFFSHORE TURBINES COULD HAVE ADDED RESTRICTIONS – August 19, 2010

ESSEX—Local MPPs Pat Hoy and Bruce Crozier support the Ministry of Natural Resources’ new proposal to consider additional areas to be removed from offshore wind development. Areas that could be removed include those subject to important recreational activities, core commercial fishing activities, navigational lanes and sensitive environmental areas etc.

“These proposed rules would ensure that our that our drinking water and the environment are protected,environmental and ecological areas are further protected,” said Hoy, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Essex.  “‪The Province is inviting comment on potential offshore areas and criteria that should be taken into consideration, which may constrain future development as part of the Crown land application process.”

“This is yet another clear sign that the government has listened to the residents of my riding and I encourage the public to continue making their views known by commenting on this proposal,” said Bruce Crozier, MPP for Essex. “Until these proposed rules are finalized, the Ministry has deferred the processing of any existing applications and will not be accepting new applications for the use of crown land offshore.”

The proposed consideration of rules was posted on August 18 by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) at www.ebr.gov.on.ca and is open for a 47-day public comment until October 4, 2010.  All comments will be considered as part of the decision-making process by MNR if submitted in writing or electronically, with EBR Registry number 011-0907.

The McGuinty government’s Green Energy Act placed a priority on expanding Ontario’s use of clean and renewable sources of energy, to help combat climate change and phase out coal.  Now, the regulatory and policy work is underway to provide further clarity to project proponents and the public to ensure the protection of the environment and ecological sustainability.

On June 25, 2010, the Ministry of Environment posted proposed changes on the Environmental Registry to provide clear, upfront provincial rules for offshore wind facilities, including a 5 km shoreline exclusion zone for offshore turbines, measured from the water’s edge of the Great Lakes and other inland lakes like Lake St. Clair.

Additional background information on Ontario’s Green Energy Act:  www.mei.gov.on.ca/en/energy/gea/.

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For more information:

Mike Ferguson                                                                                             Darcie Renaud

Office of Pat Hoy, MPP                                                                   Office of Bruce Crozier, MPP

(519) 351-0510                                                                                                      (519) 776-6420