Atmosphere & Energy

From our friends at Ontario Clean Air Alliance:

Another coal plant has bitten the dust in Ontario.  A few days ago, the Atikokan Generating Station, located about 200 kilometres west of Thunder Bay, burned its last piece of coal.  While it may be a long way from smoggy southern Ontario, the Atikokan plant was still a big polluter: dumping mercury and acid-rain generating fallout over the beautiful lakes, rivers and forests of the province’s northwest.  And, of course, it was a major source of greenhouse gas emissions that affect us all. ... Read more »

Nova Scotia will resume work this fall on finalizing an agreement with Ottawa on coal-fired power plants, an Environment Department official said Friday.

Jason Hollett, acting executive director of the province’s climate change directorate, said the deal couldn’t be completed until federal regulations on greenhouse gas emissions were ready.

“They are bundled together as a package,” he said Friday.

Federal Environment Minister Peter Kent announced the new rules, which have been in the works for a year, on Wednesday.

The regulations, which will force utilities to close some power plants earlier than planned, caused concern in this province because most electricity generation comes from burning coal.

Nova Scotia Power would likely have been forced to close two plants even though ratepayers are still paying for upgrades and equipment.... Read more »

Andrew Robinson’s article “How to get around,” Aug. 25, concerning regional public transit, outlined the absence of leadership and vision present among provincial and municipal leaders towards the subject.

Unfortunately, the provincial government, in its energy policy document, exhibited its shortsightedness when it dismissed regional public transit as a viable option in its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To date they have tended to view it as a transportation option meriting little importance on their agenda.... Read more »

By Piper Hoffman with Care2.com... Read more »