Reuters AlertNet Lite - Ontario aims to cut emissions, to shut coal plants

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Ontario aims to cut emissions, to shut coal plants

18 Jun 2007 19:44:25 GMT
Source: Reuters

TORONTO, June 18 (Reuters) - The Ontario government plans to meet its greenhouse gas emissions target by 2014 by shutting the province's four remaining coal-fired power plants, Premier Dalton McGuinty said on Monday.

Closing the plants is part of the provincial Liberal government's promise to cut greenhouse gases to 6 per cent below 1990 levels by 2014.

"We're doing our part to fight climate change in an ambitious and realistic way by shutting down coal plants, promoting energy conservation and investing in infrastructure that helps Ontarians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions," said McGuinty.

It is the third time time the Liberals have delayed the closure of the plants.

They first promised in the 2003 election campaign to close the plants by 2007, but later said they would be closed in 2009. The province is heading into another election this year, with a vote scheduled for Oct. 10.

Closing the coal-fired generating and continuing with its existing policies will account for about half the province's targeted emissions cuts, the province said.

Another 30 percent will come from investments in rapid transit, more fuel efficient vehicles and other initiatives. The remainder is expected to come from research and development of new technologies.

The 2014 target is two years after the first deadline for cutting emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, but puts the province ahead of the goals set by the federal Conservative government.

Ottawa has promised to cut emissions 20 percent below 2006 levels by 2020.

McGuinty also promised to reduce Ontario's greenhouse gas emissions to 15 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

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Last updated:Mon Jun 18 19:46:42 2007