Ontario's energy renaissance: Part 2 Green Energy Act proposed
James Harbell, Glenn Zacher, Jason Kroft, Jeffrey Elliottand Alison Forbes.
With a bold step towards a renewable and sustainable energy future, the McGuinty government introduced Bill 150 to enact the Green Energy Act, 2009 (GEA) on February 23, 2009. It is the next significant step on a dramatic change to Ontario's energy economy. Following the announced closure of Ontario's coal plants, the GEA hits the "sweet spot", (as labelled by the Premier), as it is intended to provide the catalyst for the development of 50,000 new green economy jobs, improve Ontario's environment, implement Ontario's ongoing commitment to climate change initiatives and create a culture of energy conservation.
Deputy Premier and Energy and Infrastructure Minister George Smitherman describes the renaissance of Ontario's energy industry as having "two equally important thrusts". The first is to "bring renewable energy projects to life" and the second is to create a "culture of conservation". Underlying both thrusts is the desire to create a "sustainable green employment for Ontarians" as a direct response to the world's economic crisis.
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