Exciting legislation can mean a greener future!

On Thursday March 5th Green TEA had the pleasure of co-sponsoring a Green Energy Act (GEA) information night, along with Windy Hills Caledon and the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA).

This proposed piece of legislation has the ability to put Ontario on an exciting course for a cleaner, greener future; not to mention the creation of an estimated 50,000 jobs in the first 3 years. If you support this legislation, and would like to see it pass, then THIS is the time to speak up and express that support. I encourage all of you to read up, ask questions, offer comments, and use this opportunity to be part of the democratic process.

As Kay MacDuffee, in her weekend column, quoted OSEA Executive Director Kris Stevens saying “the GEA is like the pizza crust, now it’s all about the toppings”. So if, after reading the GEA, you have concerns, for example about the size of standard setbacks, or have other input you’d like to see considered, this is also your chance to voice your opinion on those issues.

Deadline for submissions to the Ontario Environmental Registry is March 26th. So as my dear grandmother use to say “Speak up now or forever hold your peace!” (and I’ll include links at the end of today’s blog so you can do just that.)

Lastly, a great big thank-you to the guest panel, including Kris Stevens, Emil Kolb, and Mayor Marolyn Morrison – for recognizing the significance of this legislation and showing up to offer your opinions and to answer questions for Caledon residents. Your participation was very much appreciated!

Background:

OSEA is a member of the GEA Alliance, an alliance that includes the David Suzuki Foundation, Environmental Defence, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the Pembina Institute, the Ivey Foundation, the First Nations Energy Alliance and the Community Power Fund.

Main objectives of the proposed GEA legislation are:

1) to expedite growth of clean, renewable sources of energy, like wind, solar, hydro, biomass and biogas, helping Ontario become North America’s leader in renewable energy.
2) to build a stronger, greener economy (an estimated 50,000 jobs for Ontarians in its first three years)
3) to create the potential for savings and better managed household energy expenditures through a series of conservation measures

"There exists today a global race to establish the policies, attract the investment and build the foundation for the green economy that is sure to sustain future prosperity and progress," said George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. "It is a race Ontario is determined to win. This proposed legislation would help Ontario become the preferred destination for green jobs, green investment and green energy."

Links:

Environmental Registry

Green Energy Act Alliance