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07/19/2011
Wind industry welcomes Environmental Review Tribunal's decision to uphold approval of Ontario wind project
Ottawa, July 19, 2011 – The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) welcomes the decision of the Environmental Review Tribunal to uphold the Renewable Energy Approval (REA) of the Kent Breeze wind project in Ontario, confirming the first project to be approved under the Green Energy Act (GEA) will proceed as planned.
"The wind energy industry welcomes the tribunal's decision, as it is consistent with the balance of expert scientific and medical information which clearly indicates there is no direct link between wind turbines and effects on human health," said Scott Smith, vice-president of policy for CanWEA. "We look forward to working with all governments to ensure regulations and standards are developed and enforced that are consistent with the protection of human health and safety."
Currently, Ontario's setback of 550 metres for wind turbines are among the most stringent standards in North America, said Smith. In March 2011, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled in favour of the provincial renewable energy framework, citing that standards were developed following public consultation and review of science-based evidence. The ruling was consistent with reports produced by the province's Chief Medical Officer of Health, the National Public Health Institute in Quebec, and a growing body of peer-reviewed scientific and medical information which state there is no direct link between wind turbines and effects on human health.
"As a responsible industry, we are interested in sustainable development of wind for the benefit of all Ontarians. We will continue to receive and review new and credible information pertaining to wind energy and human health as it is made available," said Smith.
CanWEA is the voice of the wind energy industry, actively promoting the responsible and sustainable growth of wind energy throughout Canada on behalf of its more than 450 members. A national non-profit association, CanWEA serves as Canada's leading source of credible information about wind energy and its social, economic and environmental benefits. The document Wind Vision 2025 – Powering Canada's Future is available at www.canwea.ca.
Lejla Latifovic, Communications Co-ordinator
Canadian Wind Energy Association
(O) 613 234 8716 ext. 241
(M) 613 608 8226
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