EDMONTON, AB — Simon Dyer, policy director of the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to the Alberta Utilities Commission decision to deny Capital Power's application to remove greenhouse gas reduction commitments associated with the Genesee III coal power plant.
The Pembina Institute, as a member of the Clean Energy Coalition, had opposed the application.
"The Alberta Utilities Commission made the right decision by denying Capital Power's application to break its binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas pollution associated with the Genesee III coal power plant.
"Capital Power's predecessor, EPCOR, made a commitment to Albertans in 2001, that its new coal-fired power plant would have greenhouse gas emissions no higher than a natural gas plant.
"Albertans expect corporations to keep their promises, and by denying Capital Power's application, the AUC has upheld the integrity of the regulatory process.
"Coal-fired power plants are the largest source of greenhouse gas pollution in Alberta. In 2008, the electricity sector contributed 44 per cent of Alberta's greenhouse gas pollution from large industrial emitters."
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Contact:
Simon Dyer
Policy Director, Pembina Institute
Cell: 403-322-3937
