Ontario needs to invest in a…

Ontario needs to invest in a net zero electricity grid. In the wake of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's recent Sixth Assessment Report, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on developed countries to become net zero emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2) as close as possible to 2040 (versus 2050, previously) if the world is to avoid a catastrophic warming of the planet by 1.5 degrees centigrade. Humanity has given carbon pollution a free ride since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. With the resultant threat to civilization as we know it, it only makes sense that we now have to pay for over a century of first naively and then irresponsibly polluting the atmosphere.

In answer to Ministry of Energy questions posed about the "no-regret" options in the IESO's Pathway to Decarbonization report:

1. Yes, streamline the approval process for new clean generation and transmission infrastructure
2. Indigenous communities and the public at large understandably have a heightened interest in the provincial government's energy infrastructure planning, particularly as it relates to the climate crisis. Yes, engage and consult early on the planning and siting of new generation and storage facilities
3. Yes, make additional investments in clean energy resources in the short term to reduce the energy production of "natural gas" (aka, methane) plants even if this will increase the cost to the electricity system and rate payers.
4. The government has a responsibility to shepherd the taxation resources provided by the citizenry with care. Care should be taken to invest efficiently. The government should also look at the demand side of the ledger and have policies that are effective in encouraging energy conservation. Finally, a just transition to clean energy must include policies that aid those hard hit by the burden of increased costs.
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7. Yes, I support development of hydroelectric power generation resources as one part of an optimal mix of non-polluting energy sources, as long as local community and environmental concerns are adequately addressed in the project risk-reward assessment
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