LETTER: LOCAL NATURAL GAS LINES ‘INDEFENSIBLE’, SAYS CAM
Ed. note: This letter from Climate Action Muskoka was copied to MuskokaTODAY.com
Dear Norm Miller MPP and Premier Doug Ford:
Last week, you announced $3.1 million in provincial funding for the expansion of natural gas distribution to Burk’s Falls and Hidden Valley, Huntsville.
The mayors of both towns were enthusiastic about the announcement, citing reduced energy costs for families and businesses, and increased opportunities for growth.
These subsidies fall under the provincial Natural Gas Expansion Program (NGEP), to make home heating more affordable by subsidizing new natural gas infrastructure.
Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) believes affordable heating is a laudable goal, but new gas lines are indefensible.
Any and all subsidies should be applied to converting to non-fossil-fuel, non-greenhouse-gas-producing, renewable forms of heating and energy.
Surely the Ontario government is aware of the international call to reduce the use of fossil fuels. The worldwide goal for developed countries is to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030. To reach that goal, countries must rapidly reduce (and then eliminate) the use of all fossil fuels (and natural gas is a fossil fuel).
If this is the goal, then why would any government subsidize the installation of new natural gas lines?
The program is prepared to spend $3.1M to supply natural gas to 144 homes and/or businesses: that is $21,500 per building. There are many ways to make home heating more affordable, and new gas lines are not the only option. Here are 4 simple alternatives: 1) use the funds to insulate homes and increase energy efficiency; 2) convert home heating to air source heat pumps; 3) install solar panels; 4) provide cash subsidies to reduce electricity bills.
The NGEP is not good news for people or the planet. In light of your recent announcement, CAM calls on you and the Ford government to do the following:
- Accept the scientific evidence and policy guidance of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC);
- Declare a Climate Emergency in Ontario with strong greenhouse gas reduction targets;
- End all subsidies directed toward the production and use of fossil fuels, and;
- Invest those provincial subsidies instead to retrofit buildings, creating local green jobs at the same time as assisting the people of Ontario to reduce their individual fossil fuel use.
Regards,
Oliver Klimek, Huntsville, Sue McKenzie, Gravenhurst
On behalf of Climate Action Muskoka
June 15, 2021 @ 12:29 pm
So if they wait for “clean energy” to get to Burk’s Falls, they’ve got long wait. And which, like this incentive, will suck up government grants for these new concepts … most of which will fail as time passes until the perfect solution comes. I forget. the magic bullet is so-called transition, like the failure in Ontario under McGuinty. Go nuclear, now.
June 22, 2021 @ 11:34 am
Yes, Wayne, you are so right on the solution to clean energy. Problem is the public outcry whenever this remedy is put forth. The small quantity of waste and its safe disposal prevents us from solving the waste issue. No one wants the safe disposal of nuclear waste anywhere near their backyard.
June 15, 2021 @ 12:55 pm
Climate Action Muskoka (CAM) is joining 29 Ontario municipalities (representing over 50% of the Ontario population), and including the Town of Bracebridge, in calling for a phase-out of gas-fired electricity generation in Ontario by 2030. We want reinstatement of the subsidies for renewable electricity generation, such as solar, wind and hydro.
June 15, 2021 @ 10:39 pm
So, clutter up the landscape with wind turbines and solar panels. Really??
June 22, 2021 @ 11:36 am
Thank you Tom. Good comment.