The provincial Minister of Environment now has an MPP from a former allied riding upset at the way the provincial government is handling the wind turbine issue.
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece is upset with the minister’s approval – with no warning to him – of NextEra Energy Canada’s 10-turbine wind energy project near Arthur, which meant an appeal had to occur just two days prior to Christmas.
Pettapiece sent a letter to Minister of Environment Jim Bradley days after the approval occurred.
“Your ministry’s approval came without warning and without notice to my office,” he said. “MPPs should be informed when projects especially those of the magnitude of industrial wind farms are approved in the ridings they represent. This is an entirely reasonable request.
“Communities affected by your government’s energy policies and their elected representatives deserve full disclosure from your government. We have yet to receive that.”
Pettapiece added, “The timing of your approval is similarly disappointing. Instead of releasing it while the legislature was in session, your government waited until the day that the legislature adjourned for the Christmas break. This is unacceptable, and suggests that your government is avoiding accountability on what you must know is an extremely contentious issue in our communities.
He said, “I ask you to order an immediate extension of the appeals period, which must extend well into the New Year to provide fair and ample opportunity to all concerned.”
Pettapiece said, “I have met with several constituents on this matter; many of them are extremely upset that your government does not appear to be listening to their concerns. I have also met with municipal officials who must contend with the consequences of your government’s wind energy policies.
Bradley replied, “A key part of the province’s plan to combat climate change and phase out coal. Experts such as David Suzuki and Al Gore agree the Green Energy Act is making Ontario a global leader in clean energy … The use of coal is down over 90 percent in 2011 compared to 2003, which means cleaner air, fewer hospital visits and savings on environmental and health care costs. The Green Energy Act has attracted billions of dollars in investment to this province, and helped create thousands of jobs for Ontarians.”
He said, “The government of Ontario introduced and passed the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, 2009 in May 2009. As part of this effort, the Ministry of the Environment developed a renewable energy approval process to support the development of renewable energy projects.”
Bradley said the government plans to continue to operate the way it has for the past few years.
“The government of Ontario, through my ministry, is committed to seeing that renewable energy facilities are developed in a way that is protective of human health and the environment. My ministry is also committed to assisting the government in meeting its goals to increase the supply of electricity from clean and new renewable energy projects.”
Bradley added, “I understand from your letter that you have some concerns regarding the role of local municipalities and the public in the Renewable Energy Approval process.
“This government recognizes the importance of local interest and for this reason, an applicant of a renewable energy project must consult with local municipalities prior to applying for a Renewable Energy approval.” He then cited the regulations wind companies are being told to meet.
“Please note that as a result of municipal consultation, NextEra has committed to entering into a road users agreement and development agreement with the Township of Mapleton.
“In addition, NextEra will provide the traffic management plan to the Township of Mapleton and County of Wellington.”
He added, too, that his staff had met with those opposed to the project.
“The information provided at the time of these meetings, as well as written submissions, was taken into consideration when reviewing the proposed project.”
He said the decision is then posted on the Environmental Registry website.
Bradley said he has no power to extend the 15-day appeal period, as it is “a statutory time that cannot be extended by the Ministry of the Environment or the Environmental Review Tribunal.”
He said, “The Ministry of the Environment is committed to meeting the six-month service guarantee for decisions on Renewable Energy Approval applications.”
In a reply to Bradley’s letter, Pettapiece said, “Your response is very disappointing; it failed to provide an acceptable response to the valid concerns I brought to your attention. You did not address my position that your government should inform MPPs when a proposal of this magnitude is approved in the constituencies they represent. Elected provincial and municipal representatives alike need and deserve full disclosure.
“Burying this information on the online Environment Registry is neither sufficient nor acceptable. Your response noted that the Township of Mapleton submitted the municipal confirmation form. However, you made no mention of the Township’s legitimate objections to this project relating to process, municipal planning, health issues and decommissioning, among other matters.”
Pettapiece added, “You failed to acknowledge these very serious concerns, and it would appear that you neglected to give them the consideration they deserved in the process leading up to your government’s decision … meaningful consultation with the municipality and residents is just one reason I requested an of the appeal period for the Conestogo project.”
He said, “You indicated that the Ministry of the Environment is not able to extend its own timeline for appeals. If, in fact, you as Minister of the Environment are powerless to modify your own policy, for which your own government is responsible, I would suggest the people of Ontario have reason to be concerned.”
