Re: Alberta government announcement on the new Renewable Fuels Standard.
It is difficult to be excited about what appears to be another feel-good announcement for the energy sector in Alberta.
Although Sierra Club Prairie would agree that decreasing our personal fuel emissions is necessary for a sustainable future, it is unacceptable to have the Government of Alberta attempt to pawn off the paltry gains of a mere 25 per cent greenhouse gas reductions of two per cent and five per cent of fuel sources as a major GHG reduction, while continuing to ignore the major sources of pollution like coal fire power and tar sands which continue to undermine the health of our communities and future generations.
In fact, just recently we saw the Alberta government poised to approve Maxim Power's plan to build a 500 megawatt coal-fired electricity plant, which would generate three million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year, or the equivalent of adding 590,000 vehicles to the road over its 45 year lifespan.
How do you trust a government that boast of lowering 0.005 per cent and 0.0125 per cent greenhouse gas emissions in the same week you are preparing to approve a new coal-fired plant?
Instead of a comprehensive renewable energy strategy, with clear investments in renewable energy and public transit, this government comes out with a publicity stunt that will end up costing local people more, while allowing big oil and coal companies to continue on with business as usual.
We need serious government action to address climate change and ensure renewable energy security, not more posturing and feel good rhetoric.
Chelsea Flook
Sierra Club Prairie
