Tim Weis, director of the Pembina Institute's renewable energy
program, made the following statement in response to Nova Scotia
Premier Darryl Dexter's announcement yesterday to legislate the
government's target of 40 per cent renewable electricity generation in the next ten years.
"We welcome Premier Dexter's announcement to legislate a 40 per cent
renewable electricity target, as it will further Nova Scotia's laudable
efforts to replace coal power with energy from renewable sources. This
further demonstrates that Nova Scotians are serious about reducing their
contribution to air pollution and climate change emissions.
"It remains unclear if electricity from the proposed Lower Churchill
hydro project would constitute a contribution to this goal. If
electricity from Lower Churchill is to be included in this target, the
province will have room to go even further than 40 per cent by
developing additional renewable resources in Nova Scotia.
"To meet the 2020 goal, renewable energy use in Nova Scotia would grow by
almost 400 per cent from its current levels. The Dexter government's
commitment to clean energy in Nova Scotia is an investment in the
future that will start creating jobs and reducing emissions throughout
the province today."
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Contact:
Tim Weis
Director, Renewable Energy and Efficiency Policy, Pembina Institute
Cell: 780-667-6519
