Coal

CALGARY — Ben Thibault, electricity program director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statements today in response to the economic note on Alberta’s coal phase out plan released by the Montreal Economic Institute (MEI).

“The information the economic note relies on to conclude Albertans will pay a ‘steep bill’ to phase out coal is shaky. It generally cites the province's Climate Leadership Report (CLR), but the CLR does not support the assertion.

OTTAWA — Erin Flanagan, federal policy director at the Pembina Institute, made the following statement in response to additional review principles for fossil fuel projects unveiled by Minister McKenna and Minister Carr today:

“We welcome the five principles unveiled today by the federal government to address deficiencies in the existing review process for fossil fuel projects. These principles demonstrate that Ottawa is committed to improving the ways in which fossil fuel infrastructure is evaluated. The requirement to consider direct and upstream carbon pollution in regulatory reviews acknowledges a long-standing deficiency in Canada’s regulatory framework for fossil fuel projects.

CALGARY — Chris Severson-Baker, Alberta Director at the Pembina Institute, adds his comments to the growing support for Alberta’s coal phase-out plan.

“The decision to phase out coal by 2030 makes it clear the government of Alberta is intent on improving Albertans' air quality and tackling one of our highest-emitting fuel sources. Given the international attention on coal as an unnecessary source of pollution, the government of Alberta's decision to phase out coal stands it in good stead to bring a better message and approach to Paris.

“The province's approach will mean significant savings for our health care system. Coal plants are a major source of air contaminants, including mercury, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter. This pollution contributes to over 4,000 asthma episodes, over 700 emergency visits for respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and around 80 hospital admissions, with chronic exposures resulting in nearly 100 premature deaths every year in Alberta. The cost to the health care system is close to $300-million dollars annually.

 “Alberta is now a leader in the transition away from coal and can proudly stake its territory among the world’s most proactive jurisdictions.”