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