Premier Should Use Caution – Feb 14

Premier Dalton McGuinty is poised to ram through legislation that could make it impossible for ordinary citizens to object to wind turbines, solar panel fields and biofuel plants on the grounds they’re essential to Ontario.

This is a disturbing turn and should give every civil libertarian pause.

Speaking in London Tuesday, McGuinty said the new Green Energy Act his government will soon introduce will prevent the “not-in-my-backyard syndrome” from interfering with the government agenda. If all safety and environmental standards are met, communities won’t be allowed to reject alternative energy projects simply because they’re not wanted, the premier said.

“We are going to find a way, through this new legislation, to make it perfectly clear that NIMBYism will no longer prevail.”

That’s big trouble for Dawn- Euphemia Township, whose residents and municipal council want IPC Energy’s 35-turbine wind farm shelved until a proper study is done of the impact of turbines on human health and the environment. Some scientists believe people have been sickened by living too close to the sound waves and “dirty” electricity they generate.

Few details of the act have been released, and McGuinty wouldn’t say exactly how local concerns will be overridden. But his office has revealed the bill will “address local bylaws and regulations that are used to delay or stop proposed renewable energy projects.”

Despite the mom-and-apple-pie goodness invoked by its name, the Green Energy Act threatens to set a dangerous precedent.

In any democracy worthy of the name, people have a right to object to developments that negatively impact their neighbourhoods and communities. The process is cumbersome and sometimes messy, but it’s designed to prevent governments and corporations from running roughshod over the will of the people.

The premier would be wise to tread carefully on this one.

(FROM THE SARNIA OBSERVER)