Conservative's Position on Industrial Wind Turbines

This was forwarded to me from Laurie Scott's office, clarifying the Conservative's Position on Industial Wind Turbines.

Tim Hudak Renews Call for Moratorium on Wind Turbines

WEST LINCOLN – Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak, MPP for Niagara West – Glanbrook, was joined by West Lincoln Mayor Doug Joyner, Wainfleet Mayor April Jeffs and members of the West Lincoln and Glanbrook Wind Action Groups to renew his call for a moratorium on Dalton McGuinty’s wind turbine projects – like the one he is forcing on West Lincoln and Wainfleet.

Tim Hudak and the Ontario PC Caucus brought forward a motion in the Ontario Legislature in April 2010, calling on Dalton McGuinty to place a moratorium on all wind farm projects and restore local decision making powers to local municipalities. Over 75 municipalities have put forward resolutions against the wind farm projects and West Lincoln and Wainfleet, have already passed such resolutions. Sadly, the McGuinty government voted down the Ontario PC motion and has ignored the concerns of municipalities and Ontario families.

Hudak repeated his call today for a moratorium on all wind turbine projects and announced a PC government will restore the local decision making powers to communities that Dalton McGuinty stripped away in his so-called Green Energy Act.

Quotes:

“Why is municipalities can have a say on a new Tim Hortons or 7-Eleven, but not on an industrial wind farm? That is just plain wrong. A PC government will restore local decision making powers because local officials know what’s best for the communities, their neighbourhoods and their families.”

– Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak, MPP Niagara West – Glanbrook

“Wainfleet Council is unanimous on its position on a moratorium for wind turbines. Our official plan supports alternative energy but we need to give a pause and have a second look on what impact industrial wind projects have on Wainfleet. I fully support MPP Hudak’s call for the restoration of local decision making authority.”

– Mayor April Jeffs, Township of Wainfleet

“Last term, West Lincoln Council supported a moratorium on the establishment of any new industrial wind turbine developments. Our official plan supports alternative energy but we need to ensure a comprehensive, independent, and peer-reviews scientific study can confirm that industrial wind energy projects do not pose a risk to the community, the health of its citizens, property values and the rural environment. I fully support Tim Hudak’s call for the Premier to restore local planning approval authority to local governments regarding decisions on industrial wind turbines. Also last term, West Lincoln Council supported the West Lincoln Wind Action Group’s (WLWAG) desire to increase the public’s understanding and awareness of industrial wind turbines and their impacts on the Township and its residents.”

– Mayor Douglas Joyner, Township of West Lincoln

“The Wind Action Groups of West Lincoln and Glanbrook fully support Tim Hudak’s call for a moratorium on all industrial wind projects until proper studies are conducted to prove they are safe, environmentally appropriate, economically beneficial and acceptable to the rural host community.”

– Neil Switzer, Chair, West Lincoln Wind Action Group


Quick Facts:

In April 2010, the McGuinty government unanimously voted against an Ontario PC motion calling for a moratorium on all wind farm projects and the restoration of municipal decision making powers.

In February 2011, the McGuinty government annpunced their own moratorium, on off-shore wind farms only, following tremendous pressure from families to stop to stop a project near Energy Minister Brad Duguid’s own Toronto riding. Two weeks later, he announced a massive expansion of the wind farm program, yet none of the projects announced were in Liberal-held ridings.