Beverly Tanchak ~The provincial government has moved forward with a bill to remove local government rezoning authority for Independent Power Projects (IPP's).
Bill 30 wraps several items in one obscure package.
This bill has already passed first reading and is being moved forward quickly - the Minister is looking to have this passed by the end of the spring session - Thursday May 18.
Bill 30 puts an end to local input on private power projects and as such removes the opportunity for local communities and interests to have any meaningful input into their approval, or to have any say in their own communities future.
Beverly Tanchak ~The provincial government has moved forward with a bill to remove local government rezoning authority for Independent Power Projects (IPP's).
Bill 30 wraps several items in one obscure package.
This bill has already passed first reading and is being moved forward quickly - the Minister is looking to have this passed by the end of the spring session - Thursday May 18.
Bill 30 puts an end to local input on private power projects and as such removes the opportunity for local communities and interests to have any meaningful input into their approval, or to have any say in their own communities future.
Local governments across the province are opposing this bill and requesting that the bill be set aside. Our local governments need our help and our support now.
The provincial approval process is little more than a checklist of items, therefore this bill is a huge threat to the input and authority of local and regional governments and communities in any area that may be affected by one of these projects - be they run of river, coal methane, biomass, wind, or other industrial power generation proposals.
Without significant public response this bill will become law by, at the latest, May 18.
Please act now. It is crucial that each and every BC Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) hear from you NOW.
You can find your electoral district and MLA at the link below:
******************************<WBR>******************************<WBR>********************* Honourable Barry Penner Minister of Environment and Minister Responsible for Water Stewardship and Sustainable Communities East Annex Parliament Buildings Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
BILL 30 - MISCELLANEOUS STATUTES AMENDMENT ACT, 2006*
Utilities Commission Act - The amendment will clarify the intent of
the Utilities Commission Act, help foster investor confidence for
Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects in B.C. and diversify energy
supplies through a one-decision maker process similar to most other
resource development approvals. It will also bring certainty to local
government in clarifying their jurisdiction over IPPs located on private
land and that of the province for projects on Crown land.
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