| NDP Still Supports Smog In The Valley
August 27, 2009 NDP Still Supports Smog In The Valley VICTORIA – NDP MLA John Horgan’s support for the continued operation of the inefficient Burrard Thermal Power Plant, one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the Lower Mainland, will put the health of Fraser Valley residents at risk. “It’s clear the NDP have never supported clean energy development in the province but it is astounding they want to continue to operate an antiquated facility that will pump smog into the entire Fraser Valley,” says Energy Minister Blair Lekstrom. “Our government understands that phasing out Burrard is the right thing to do for the health and future of our environment. We’re committed to replacing that facility with clean and renewable green energy, not spewing greenhouse gasses into the air.” Lekstrom was responding to Horgan’s comments on CKNW yesterday, where Horgan admitted the environmental damage the power plant would cause but still wanted to fire up the aging turbines. “I know that certainly it has an impact on air quality,” he said. “The NDP have a long history of irresponsible green policies, including generating power from Burrard Thermal and refusing to support residents who were trying to stop the Sumas 2 project from adding more pollution to B.C. skies,” says Lekstrom. “Horgan was the chief of staff to an NDP premier and a senior policy advisor to the energy minister. He refused to support green policies then and continues to reject clean, renewable energy now.” Lekstrom notes the BC Liberal government’s plan is to create an energy self-sufficient British Columbia in an environmentally responsible way. “Phasing out our reliance on Burrard’s energy is the right step for a greener B.C. and for protecting the health of Fraser Valley residents,” says Lekstrom. “Green energy will be a cornerstone of British Columbia's climate action plan. Creating clean, renewable power generation is integral to our effort to fight climate change. It’s time the NDP provide real solutions to benefit our province and not misuse taxpayers money on bad ideas.” -30- |
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