Advanced Bio-Mass to Replace Coal in Thunder Bay
THUNDER BAY – “The conversion of the Thunder Bay Generating Station to burn advanced biomass will ensure Thunder Bay has access to clean, reliable power. This initiative will leave a healthier environment and cleaner air for our children and grandchildren,” states Energy Minister Bill Chiarelli. Bill Mauro the MPP the Thunder Bay Atikokan says, “In 2003 all three political parties committed to closing all coal fired generation in Ontario. No one, however, was discussing the potential conversion of those plants or the impact a closure decision would have on the host communities. I want to thank Minister Chiarelli for his support as today marks the end of a long effort to maintain the two plants in my riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan to our benefit here in Northwestern Ontario.”
The announcement made this morning in Thunder Bay was made by Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle and MPP Bill Mauro.
NOMA – Iain Angus Responds on the Bio-Mass Announcement
Minister Gravelle commented, “Northwestern Ontario is on the leading edge of some very exciting new mining and forestry developments and I am pleased, both as MPP for Thunder Bay-Superior North and as Minister of Northern Development and Mines, that our government is taking action to support healthy communities while ensuring important energy needs are met. By moving off coal and converting the Thunder Bay Generating Station to advanced biomass we are cleaning our air and supporting local jobs. Certainly I am pleased that our government found a solution that will continue to serve the needs of the region.”
The move was endorsed with a 75% grade by Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs and a 50% grade by NOMA’s Iain Angus.
The Mayor and NOMA are looking toward a full conversion of the plant to natural gas.
The entire move was panned by Progressive Conservative candidate Harold Wilson who says that the Ontario Government “Created the crisis and now is solving it six months before a likely spring election”.
Progressive Conservative Harold Wilson – Manufactured Crisis
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