July 4, 2007
Residents coming out in favour of clean-air technology at Nanticoke
Symposium survey results highlight support for emission-control investment at coal plant

Jarvis – Results from a survey handed out to close to 150 attendees at the recent Jarvis Energy and the Environment Symposium spelled out overwhelming support for investment in clean-air technology and carbon capture at OPG Nanticoke.

88 per cent of respondents to the survey answered “yes” to the question, “Do you feel the Ontario Government should invest in clean-air technology and carbon capture at OPG Nanticoke?”

Further, when asked “which of the following options should your local MPP pursue for Nanticoke?”, over two-thirds of respondents chose, “continue operating OPG Nanticoke while making further investments in clean-air technology and carbon capture.” The next most popular answer indicated 13.6 per cent of respondents favoured, “phase-out large-scale energy production at Nanticoke – along with the corresponding jobs – and pursue alternatives such as wind, solar, conservation and efficiency measures.”

Only 2.3 per cent of respondents favoured, “Close OPG Nanticoke and pursue the construction of a nuclear power plant.”

“My record is clear - I have long advocated for investment in clean-air technology at OPG Nanticoke to build on the emission reduction the previous government initiated with $250 million for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Units at both Nanticoke and Lambton,” Barrett pointed out. “The concerned citizens of our area who took time to provide input at the June 19th Jarvis Energy Symposium have clearly advocated government to clean-up coal-fire emissions while both protecting OPG Nanticoke’s 600 jobs and ensuring a reliable and affordable form of energy for Ontario.

Meantime, results from Barrett’s ongoing “Nukes at Nanticoke” survey made available at local fairs and through MPP mailouts - to every home in the riding of Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant – indicate 80.4 per cent of respondents chose “No” to the question, “Are you in favour of nukes at Nanticoke? Yes or no?” – while 19 per cent chose “Yes”.

“Local residents are clearly engaged in the area energy debate and I encourage all those who have yet to have their say to contact my office as we continue to look for direction from those our future energy and environment decisions will impact directly,” asserted Barrett. “My position is well-known – if Premier McGuinty wishes to consider future energy construction at Nanticoke, he must first make the case to area residents.”

Barrett further noted that he is continuing to await direct answers from the Premier with regard to two separate “open letters to the editor” that requested a breakdown of the facts regarding government’s position on nuclear at Nanticoke on two fronts:

“There’s so much at stake with regard to meeting future energy needs – the environment, our economy, jobs – it’s vital that we learn from all sides to make informed decisions for the future,” Barrett concluded. “Let’s get it right…..”

Those interested in further information from the speakers who presented in Jarvis can access websites at the following addresses:

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For more information, please contact:
Wendy MacMillan
Caledonia Lawn Bowling Club
(905) 765-9388