For immediate release:
June 21, 2004

Environment Critic notes Liberal acknowledgement of
Tory smog reduction
Barrett notes government smog plan builds on Conservative record

Queens Park – PC Environment Critic Toby Barrett says the Liberal Government’s ‘new’ smog-plan owes a lot to the Conservative smog initiatives that have reduced emissions significantly over the past decade.

In response to the Minister of Environment’s announcement, implementing nitrogen oxide and sulphur di-oxide limits on heavy industry, Barrett pointed out that the plan built on significant emission reduction achievements initiated by the previous government.

“These efforts have already produced important gains in emission reductions - OPG Nanticoke, for example, dropped sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, including the implementation of the SCR, the selective catalytic reduction units,” said Barrett. “Due to these and other efforts, nitrogen oxide emissions have dropped more than 50% from 1984 at OPG Nanticoke; sulphur dioxide has fallen more than 60% in that same time period.”

The Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP went on to highlight that the “Ontario Clean Air Action Plan” report the Ministry released in conjunction with today’s announcement recognizes the successful approach taken by the former Conservative Government.

“I’ll turn to page 18 in the accompanying minister’s report: ‘Ontario’s smog reduction experts have been successful. Over the last decade, emissions of the four key pollutants have been declining, even while Ontario was going through a period of strong economic growth,’” said Barrett. “We thank you, Minister, for that comment - It’s nice to know that people on the other side of the House recognize the success we’ve had in reducing emissions.

“A strong economic growth is possible while we continue to protect the environment,” Barrett pointed out.

The Environment Critic also noted that today’s Government only deals with a portion of Ontario’s smog problem, while paying lip service to the chief cause of 60 per cent of domestically produced smog – the automobile. Given recent Government rumblings to snuff out the Drive Clean program, Barrett voiced his concern.

“I will point out the minister’s message on page 3 of the report: ‘Government is working to improve Ontario’s Drive Clean program to make it even more successful in reducing smog-causing emissions from vehicles.’ Barrett read. “Only three months ago, the same minister was reported to be musing about phasing out Drive Clean. Which is it?

“It’s essential that we continue and this government continues the work that our government started—a far superior strategy to speaking out of both sides of one’s mouth,” Barrett concluded.

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For more information please contact
MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 416-325-8404 or 1-800-903-8629