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OTTAWA, July 31, 2009 -- The Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA), today voiced its support for the BC Government’s continued desire to pursue new renewable energy projects as evidenced by Minister Lekstrom’s, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, response to the recent ruling by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) on the Long Term Acquisition Plan proposed by BC Hydro.

CanWEA further supports BC Hydro’s recommended goal of acquiring 3000GwH of renewable electricity, and notes that BC Hydro has received numerous proposals through its recent call for power that would allow it to meet and exceed this goal. Securing such power will allow the province to reduce emissions and create new jobs and investment in a clean energy economy.

The BC Government’s Energy Plan clearly supports the renewable energy sector and provides British Columbians with a direction that encourages the advancement of emissions-free renewable power. Wind energy can make an important contribution to meeting the objectives of this plan.

CanWEA’s Wind Vision 2025 – Powering Canada’s Future, argues that Canada has the potential to make wind energy the country’s next great economic opportunity, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing other environmental concerns. Achieving the goal of providing 20 per cent of the country’s electricity needs with wind energy by the year 2025 will result in $79 billion in new investment, the creation of up to 52,000 new “green collar” jobs, and more than $165 million in new revenues for municipalities, many in rural areas hit hard by traditional resource declines.

For more information contact:

Ulrike Kucera, Media Relations Officer, 613 234-8716 or mobile 613 867-4433