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January 14, 2009
Ban export of polluting coal-fired electricity: NDP
Queen’s Park - NDP Energy Critic Peter Tabuns is calling on the McGuinty government to put an immediate moratorium on the export of coal-fired electricity from Ontario to the United States.
Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator reported on Monday that almost half of Ontario’s coal-fired electricity was exported to the United States in 2008.
“The McGuinty government has twice delayed its commitment to stop burning polluting coal for electricity, saying it wasn’t feasible. So why are they ramping up coal-fired power exports to the United States?” asked Tabuns.
The burning of coal for electricity is a prime contributor to smog, which the Ontario Medical Association says causes 9,500 premature deaths across the province each year.
“There is no justification for burning dirty coal simply to export power. If domestic demand for electricity is dropping, the government should reduce coal-fired production faster - and end production altogether before 2014,” said Tabuns.
The McGuinty government initially promised to stop burning coal for electricity by the end of 2007.
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Media Inquiries:
Peter Tabuns, 416-325-3250 |
