It’s being described as a “bold move” and a “major step” in the fight to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
A discussion paper released yesterday by the provincial government is being looked upon to help cap greenhouse gas and air-pollutant emissions. The government is looking for citizens’ comments on its plan to slash these emissions to 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.
But some questions about the plan remain, such as how much it will cost. Environment Minister David Morse said switching over to renewable forms of energy will actually save people money. But he didn’t have any numbers to back it up.
“I’m not able to give you a percentage or a number. But I am satisfied, based on all the input we’ve had right across the province, that this is the way to go,” he said.
Morse has stated that he does expect Nova Scotia power to raise its rates to help it meet the cap deadlines. But he said the intangible costs associated with coal-fired energy outweigh the cheaper rates.
“We’re looking at what is the most cost-effective way of powering the province. And we feel the climate change action plan answers that question,” he said
The opposition dismissed yesterday’s release of the paper.
“The government describes the discussion paper as a ‘bold move.’ But for heaven’s sake, it’s a discussion paper,” said NDP environment critic Graham Steele.
The plan, announced in January, would cap emissions at 9.7 million tonnes in 2010, 8.8 million tonnes in 2015 and 7.5 million tonnes in 2020.
