In this edition of EcoNews, we highlight an important lawsuit we supported against Cooke Aquaculture over ocean pollution in Maine. Additionally, we’ve revamped our Tell the Facts website to help you cut through environmental misinformation, and read on to check out stories of regular Atlantic Canadians who took big action to help lower their energy bills. Also, check out our new podcast episodes tackling environmental misinformation and the recent New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board rate hearings!

Lawsuit targets N.B.’s Cooke Aquaculture over Maine salmon farms

The Conservation Law Foundation has filed a lawsuit, which we supported, against New Brunswick’s Cooke Aquaculture for alleged ocean pollution in Maine. This is an important lawsuit that we plan to watch closely.

In Maine and New Brunswick, the regular activities of salmon farms—along with pesticide treatments and fish escapes — are a steady source of pollution entering coastal waters. Only robust environmental laws, backed up with strong enforcement, are capable of curbing industry’s impact on our fragile coastal ecosystems

Thank you for making a difference this Giving Tuesday!

To everyone who supported the Conservation Council of New Brunswick this Giving Tuesday—thank you so much! Your generosity fuels our work to protect New Brunswick’s land, air and water, building stronger, more sustainable communities.

Because of you, we can continue empowering New Brunswickers to take action on climate change, advocate for clean energy solutions and protect the natural beauty of our province for future generations.

From all of us at the Conservation Council, thank you for standing with us.

If you missed Giving Tuesday, it’s not too late to make a difference before the end of the year:

 

Countering environmental misinformation

We’ve revamped our Tell the Facts website to continue our fight against environmental misinformation. Our new portal tackles common myths and false claims about clean energy, climate change and other key issues to help people stay informed and empowered.

The need for this resource became clear last year when Alberta’s government ran fear-based ads here in New Brunswick attacking federal clean electricity regulations. With a fraction of Alberta’s $8-million ad budget, we launched a counter website that encouraged thousands of New Brunswickers to send letters to Ottawa, calling for stronger clean electricity regulations to build a carbon-neutral future.

With our updated site, you’ll find reliable, easy-to-understand information to help you cut through the noise. Visit our new misinformation portal today and join us in standing up for a stronger environment:

Stronger rules needed for proposed Dalhousie mine

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick and five other organizations have signed a letter to the Heron Bay town council airing concerns about local zoning rule changes to accommodate a proposed pozzolan mine in the Dalhousie area.  Unfortunately, the town’s proposed amendments focus on short-term economic gains without proper safeguards to protect residents and the environment.
The letter points out problems in similar projects, like pollution, groundwater contamination, noise and property devaluation, leaving locals to deal with the fallout while companies profit and move on.

We called on Heron Bay council to pause the current process and prioritize stronger rules that include public consultation, protections for vulnerable natural areas and strict requirements for cleaning up the land once industrial projects end.
Read the full letter by clicking below:

Real stories, real solutions: Tackling energy poverty

Energy-efficient homes mean we can use fewer resources to stay comfortable. As the weather gets colder, many New Brunswickers are struggling with the rising heating costs of homes. Energy poverty is a harsh reality in our province for nearly one-third of residents, leaving families stressed about staying warm. But there are programs and inspiring stories to show how change is possible.

Meet Wayne, who at one point was paying around $600 per month for electricity. Unable to keep up with the costs, Wayne turned to energy-efficiency programs to renovate his home. These upgrades lowered his bills and improved his quality of life.

Learn more about Wayne and his recommendations for government action to help others who are struggling with energy poverty:

Then there’s Carl, who boldly committed to going carbon-neutral after witnessing heavy pollution and wanting a better future for his children. In 2019, Carl and his wife, Karen, set out to achieve carbon neutrality within three years. Their journey shows how New Brunswickers can take significant environmental action while creating a better life for their families. Read more:

Olivia’s story is equally inspiring, “the journey to a cozy home started with the motivation of keeping my own children and guests comfortable and warm in my home,” she says. By transforming her home into an energy-efficient haven, Olivia proved that change is possible, even on a budget.

Read Olivia’s case study to discover how she created a warm, efficient home and what needs to change to address energy poverty in Atlantic Canada:

Also, visit our website to find out what energy programs are available in Atlantic Canada:

New podcast episodes!

Our director of engagement and education, Danielle Smith, and director of climate research and policy, Dr. Moe Qureshi, break down environmental misinformation and greenwashing in one of our newest podcast episodes. They explain how misleading claims about so-called ‘green’ solutions can hurt our communities and stall real progress on climate action.

That’s not all — Dr. Qureshi also sat down with Randy Hatfield from the Human Development Council to talk about something that affects us all: electricity prices. Randy, who took part in the recent Energy and Utility Board hearings, shares what it was like to fight for fairness in the face of rising costs and what it means for people struggling with energy poverty in New Brunswick. Their conversation was so good that we split it into three parts!

Head over to our YouTube channel to catch the episodes:

Electrifying our school buses workshop — for educators!

Hey educators! Curious about how electric school buses can make a difference in New Brunswick? On Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Join us for a free virtual workshop hosted by the Conservation Council of New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Environmental Network.

Learn how electric school buses benefit our kids’ health, protect the environment and help schools save money. This workshop will also show how electric buses can inspire students to think about sustainability and build a greener future.

The evening includes:

  • A quick overview of electric school buses and their benefits.
  • Hands-on activities for teachers to bring electric buses into the classroom.
  • Small group discussions and networking opportunities.

Register by clicking below!

Mindfulness and Moss

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Mindfulness and Moss on Saturday, Nov. 9! In partnership with the Youth Environmental Action Network, artist Danielle Smith guided attendees through a unique experience that mixed creativity, mindfulness and a love for nature.

Through slow stitching, participants helped create a beautiful moss bed representing healing, refuge and our deep ties to the natural world. It was a powerful way to step back, connect with nature and explore hopeful ways to tackle climate anxiety together.

We work hard to ensure a strong environmental voice is heard in New Brunswick’s print, radio and television media. Last year, our staff appeared in the media more than 50 times to shed light on ongoing environmental issues and success in New Brunswick. Here are some of the biggest stories Conservation Council staff have been called upon for expertise, analysis and commentary this year:

Conservation Council in the News

Dec. 4 | We were quite surprised to learn that N.B. Power has quietly decided to build a new natural gas-fired power plant despite previous government plans for new wind and solar generation. Dr. Moe Qureshi, our director of climate research and policy, criticizes this decision, noting that adding new fossil fuel sources to the grid is a mistake. Dr. Qureshi explains the urgency of achieving carbon-neutral emissions by 2035 and that the province should prioritize investments in wind and solar energy supported by large-scale battery storage.

Read the CBC story.

Read the story in the Telegraph-Journal.

Nov. 26 | This Telegraph-Journal story details the Conservation Law Foundation’s lawsuit against Cooke Aquaculture under the U.S. Clean Water Act. The story notes that Cooke partially defends its record by citing its participation in the Global Seafood Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices program — a program we and other international environmental organizations challenged in May as industry greenwashing with weak environmental standards.

Read the story.

RSee what we had to say about GSA’s aquaculture certification program.

Nov. 11 | Newly elected New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt and Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill have talked about replacing the current carbon tax with a cap and trade model. In this story, Dr. Qureshi tells Canada’s National Observer that New Brunswick must adopt bold climate policies that align with Canada’s clean electricity goals. Dr. Qureshi highlights the potential for renewable energy to reduce emissions, lower energy costs and create jobs, urging provincial leaders to prioritize sustainable energy solutions.

Read more.

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