Energy committee concerned by Green Act

Innisfil's energy committee has some serious concerns with the provincial government's efforts to go green.

The Innisfil Alternative Energy Ad Hoc Advisory Committee has asked town council to support a letter of concern over the proposed Green Energy and Green Economy Act. The proposed Act limits the amount of influence municipalities would have over the construction of renewable energy projects like wind turbines.

"There is a general lack of detail in respect to the legislation, particularly as it relates to the proposed regulations," said planning manager Ross Cotton. "There is concern how the regulations can balance the competing interest between protection of the environment and facilitating the processing of energy projects.

"There are several significant aspects of the legislation that will have impact ... in the town."

The Act would also require approval by the Ministry of the Environment, bypassing municipal jurisdiction. That could affect local businesses, natural heritage features and residential developments, he said.

"There is an overall concern that public participation in the approval process for renewable energy projects is considerably limited by the proposed legislation. In the approval of projects, the application would be made to the (province)," said Cotton.

Projects currently under review by municipalities should be exempted form the legislation, while the provincial government should undertake studies to determine the impact of renewable energy on the environment and human health, he said.

There is also little indication of how the Act would be enforced.

"Will there be additional enforcement staff provided to ensure compliance?" said Cotton. "Since the projects are approved by the province, municipal enforcement staff cannot be involved."

The committee is responsible for providing recommendations on wind, solar and other forms of 'green' energy policies for the municipality to council. It also investigates different types of alternative energy production methods, reviews examples from other jurisdictions, and conducts public consultation.