VANCOUVER, BC -- Conservation organizations Wildsight and Pembina Institute today joined the Mayor of Princeton in expressing dismay at BC Hydro's long-term commitment to purchase power from two proposed coal-burning plants.
Compliance Energy's Princeton Power Project and Hillsborough Resources and AES Wapiti Energy's Wapiti Power Project will release pollutants into the air as well as increase BC's greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 1.7 million tonnes each year.
"Coal-fired power plants are major sources of a wide range of pollutants, such as particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that cause smog and acid rain. They emit heavy metals, especially mercury, which is also a health concern," says Karen Campbell, the Pembina Institute's legal counsel. "In Ontario, the government has estimated that air pollution from coal-fired power plants is responsible for the premature deaths of 668 people per year in the province."
"It is hard to believe that the government is committing BC to dirty coal that will cause massive increases in toxic pollution and make it even more difficult for the people of BC to address the climate crisis," said Casey Brennan, Wildsight program manager for energy and mining.
Conservationists are not alone in their concern. Princeton Mayor Randy McLean is also very worried about what Compliance Energy's plant will mean for the Similkameen Valley. "It is disturbing that our provincial government is embracing a minimally updated nineteenth century technology that other provinces are phasing out. How can we promote tourism and real estate investment under the cloud of a coal-burning plant? I am concerned for the future of our valley and the people who live here. Industry profit at the expense of everyone's environment is unacceptable."
"I am worried for my children's and grandchildren's health," said Princeton rancher Brad Hope. "The air pollutants and toxic mercury emissions from dirty coal that will be released into our airshed will accumulate and impact the health of all living creatures in my community."
"This decision could be the first of many, as there are coal deposits across BC, said Wildsight's Brennan. "Instead of committing to dirty coal, we need a stronger focus on energy efficiency and developing more renewable energy sources", added Campbell.
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For more information, contact:
Casey Brennan, Wildsight Energy and Mining Program Manager
250-423-2603 - w
250-423-0402 - c
Karen Campbell, Pembina Institute Staff Counsel and Director of BC Policy
604-928-2258 - c
Randy McLean, Mayor of Princeton, B.C.
250-295-5478 - c
Brad Hope
250-295-3512 - w
About Wildsight
Wildsight works locally, regionally and globally to protect biodiversity and encourage sustainable communities in Canada's Columbia and Southern Rocky Mountain region. Wildsight received the 2005 Canadian Environmental Award for Conservation in recognition of its successful work to protect the region's wildlife and wildlands. For more information, please visit www.wildsight.ca.
About The Pembina Institute
The Pembina Institute creates sustainable energy solutions through innovative research, education, consulting and advocacy. It promotes environmental, social and economic sustainability in the public interest by developing practical solutions for communities, individuals, governments and businesses. The Pembina Institute provides policy research leadership and education on climate change, energy issues, green economics, energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, and environmental governance. More information about the Pembina Institute is available at www.pembina.org or by contacting: info@pembina.org