June 20, 2007
Jarvis energy symposium: Let’s get it right
Jarvis – Close to 150 people from
the Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant areas came away from MPP Toby Barrett’s
Energy and the Environment Symposium with an armload of new information
fueling the local energy debate.
Barrett echoed one of the themes of the
evening in summing up the information symposium: “There’s
a lot of information out there to digest from all sides that will influence
the area energy generation discussions. Before we jump to any conclusions,
‘Let’s get it right….’”
The MPP was quoting one of last night’s
presenters, John Bowlby (Geoscientist) who raised issues regarding the
suitability of the Nanticoke site for potential future energy projects
given his questions surrounding fractures in the bedrock which could indicate
seismic activity.
Barrett says he launched the Symposium
in order to ensure a balanced discussion from all sides given speculation
over the future of Nanticoke area energy generation.
“Given that Mr. McGuinty has now
– for the 5th time – placed a big question mark on the future
of close to 600 jobs with his latest attempt to close Nanticoke OPG with
a shut-down date of 2014, it’s essential that the local energy discussion
be informed and comprehensive,” stated Barrett. “Recent interest
from all levels of governments into future energy alternatives underlines
the importance of getting answers to residents’ questions before
rushing to any final decisions.”
Ontario Environment Commissioner Gord
Miller served as keynote speaker for the evening, and stressed the importance
of being informed of alternatives and their impacts during “complex
times” in the constant struggle to meet energy needs.
As Barrett moderated, 10 presenters took
to the podium last night at the Jarvis Community Centre delivering divergent
views on their vision for Ontario’s energy future. Speakers included
Carol Chudy (Clean Affordable Energy Alliance), David Shier and Peter
Faulkner (Canadian Nuclear Worker Council), John Spracket (Power Workers
Union), Andrew Müller (Society of Energy Professionals), Shawn Patrick
Stensil (Greenpeace), Ted Cowan (Ontario Federation of Agriculture), Rob
Lyng (Ontario Power Generation), John Bowlby (GeoScientist), and S.(Ziggy)
Kleinau (Citizens for Renewable Energy).
Displays and information tables at the
event reflected the wide array of topics covered in the presentations
including everything from clean air technology, to solar, to coal gasification,
to carbon sequestration, nuclear and more.
“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 the Speakers
from all sides to make informed decisions for the future,” Barrett
concluded. “Let’s get it right…..”
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Wendy MacMillan
Caledonia Lawn Bowling Club
(905) 765-9388
|
