A group of citizens and climate defense groups has presented a judicial case to prevent the Saskatchewan government from maintaining the three coal power plants in the province beyond 2030.
Citizens for Public Justice, Saskatchewan Environmental Society and three people from Saskatchewan and Manitoba are behind the demand. Represented by the Saskatchewan -based environmental lawyer, Glenn Wright, have submitted a request for judicial review against the Government.
“Coal is the most dirty energy source we have. We argue that it does not take place in any electricity network in Canada,” said Maryy Wahba, an analyst at Citizens for Public Justice climate justice policies.
“Librating coal is not just politics, it is also a moral imperative.”
On June 18, the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, Jeremy Harrison, sent a letter to Saskpower employees who informed them about the decision of the province to extend the life of coal plants. They were previously scheduled to be closed by 2030 to help meet the climatic objectives of Canada.
The federal government wants to reduce Canada greenhouse gas emissions to 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach the net emissions of zero by 2050.
Saskatchewan currently has three coal power plants: the power plants of the Shand dam and the limit near Estevan, and the power plant of the Poplar River out of Coronach.
The groups expect an interim stay to be placed in the province plan of the province to a judicial review.
“The Government has not outlined any future process to determine if such extension is of public interest, as an environmental evaluation. They simply made the decision. It is definitive and, therefore, mature for the judicial review.” The application of the applicant’s court said.
The groups argue that the extension decision was taken without sufficient public consultation, breaks the federal regulations of clean energy, contravene the safety of future Canadian children under the letter of rights and freedoms and damages Canada’s reputation as a country aware of the climate.
“There are other options for the province,” said Robert Halliday, vice president of Saskatchewan’s environmental society. “Until now, Saskpower has not really been on board to take advantage of those opportunities.”
“Renewable energy is the way to follow for Saskatchewan.”
According to the Canadian energy regulator, 41 percent of Saskatchewan’s energy generation is produced by coal. Natural gas constitutes 44 percent, while hydroelectric, wind and solar energy comprises 15 percent. There are currently no nuclear power plants that provide energy or built.
In his letter to Saskpower in June, Harrison said that the Saskatchewan government is still committed to the object of the net generation of zero energy by 2050. However, he said, the power of coal should be used as future nuclear plants are put in line.
The Saskatchewan government said that, as the case is before the courts, it will not comment on it.
The first hearing for the case will be on August 12.
