TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO:
Whereas the rate of global heating is accelerating and we are facing a global climate crisis; and,
Whereas the climate crisis will increase the occurrence of extreme weather events, trigger food price shocks and cause a drop in our standard of living; and,
Whereas the decision to build American designed Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) at Darlington will delay needed climate action investment in renewable energy and diverts funds that could be used for rapid energy transition; and,
Whereas the GE Vernova-Hitachi SMR chosen relies on unproven American technology; and,
Whereas this design will mean a future reliance on American produced fuel, American fuel suppliers and the technology will be subject to American export control rules; and,
Whereas the planned price at $20.9 billion is five times more than the $4 billion originally proposed for the four reactors, and is almost certain to cost more; and,
Whereas new technology is usually slow to build and more expensive than planned, it will likely take 10 to 15 years to see any power from these reactors;
Therefore, we the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as follows:
- Withdraw any public subsidy for construction of this project.
- Review the contracts that have been signed and exercise any available option for cancellation of all or part of this project while providing for redeployment of workers on the project to other energy related projects in Ontario.
- Ensure that any agreement for this project require that all budget overruns are the responsibility of GE Vernova Hitachi and construction companies building this project and not the rate and taxpayers of Ontario.
- Redirect the public funds that would have been allocated to this project to development of renewable energy and assistance to homeowners and businesses in order to promote the new technologies that can cut their energy use and bills.