Conservative bill killing green energy will damage Ontario’s economy and environment

For Immediate Release

March 22, 2012

Toronto: Green Party of Ontario (GPO) leader Mike Schreiner is calling on MPPs to vote against Tim Hudak’s bill to nuke the province’s long-term, green energy strategy.

“Mr. Hudak’s willingness to sacrifice homegrown green jobs in a politically expedient attempt to exploit fears over rising energy prices is just bad economics,” says Schreiner.  “I want him to look farmers and small business owners in the eye and explain how he wants to kill their businesses and their chance to earn income producing pollution-free electricity.”

Mr. Hudak’s Bill 42, being considered in the legislature today, would abolish the Feed-In Tariff (FIT) program.  The FIT program provides stable fixed-rate, long-term contracts to green energy producers.

“Let’s not kill the FIT program, but fix it so that it better benefits communities,” says Schreiner.  “The GPO will continue to push for a community-based green energy program with local ownership, decision-making and benefits.”

Although Conservatives claim that green energy is causing prices to rise, the reality is this — most cost increases are due to infrastructure upgrades and nuclear cost overruns. The Liberal and Conservative support for new nuclear will drive up costs far more than FIT contracts for green energy.

“The establishment parties are completely out of touch with the true causes of rising electricity prices,” says Schreiner.  “Energy efficiency, combined heat and power, hydro imports from Quebec, and a diverse mix of other renewables provide our most flexible, low cost options.”

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