Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Enbridge and the Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPRO) are vigorously opposing the McKelvie/Layton motion to phase out Ontario’s gas-fired electricity generation.
We responded to the gas giants by spelling out for councillors why Ontario does not need to ramp up gas plant use and can instead transition to energy sources that will be better for our climate and our health.
John Stephenson, former Manager of Generation Projects for Toronto Hydro, has written an excellent response to APPRO’s submission.
According to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the greenhouse gas pollution from Ontario’s gas plants will increase by more than 300% by 2030 and by 500% or more by 2040 under current provincial plans. If this occurs, we will lose roughly 40% of the pollution reduction benefits that we achieved by phasing-out OPG’s dirty coal-fired power plants.
US President Joe Biden
In one of his first acts as President, Joe Biden promised to “lead a clean energy revolution that achieves a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035.” If we want to keep pace with our largest trading partner, Ontario has to make the shift to green as well rather than ramping up gas.
What you can do
Councillors Jennifer McKelvie’s and Mike Layton’s motion asking the province to phase-out gas-fired electricity generation will be debated at Toronto City Council on March 10th.
1. If you live in Toronto, please send a message to Mayor Tory and your local councillor asking them to stand for a green electricity future and support the McKelvie/Layton gas plant phase-out motion.
2. Please sign our petition requesting Premier Ford to phase-out gas-fired electricity generation by 2030 and share it with your friends.
Thank you!
p.s. Read our gas leaflet and order free copies for distribution anywhere in Ontario — eligible for volunteer hours.