Traditional territory of the Wabanaki Peoples/Fredericton – Several environmental groups nationwide have banded together to demand government leaders focus on growing renewable energy infrastructure instead of further fossil fuel development.
Atlantic Canada has a unique opportunity to spearhead the transition to clean and affordable energy sources. In a joint letter, 28 environmental non-governmental organizations emphasize the critical need to halt any development of new liquified natural gas (LNG), shale and other fossil fuel projects and prioritize the well-being of the people and the region over short-term corporate gains.
Similar to calls coming from Atlantic Canadian groups, West Coast environmental groups also sent a joint letter urging the federal government to prioritize renewable energy over further fossil fuel development in Canada’s Pacific region.
“Instead of getting locked in our fossil fuel past, it’s time to pave the way for a clean energy grid,” said Dr. Moe Qureshi, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick’s director of climate research and policy.
“By embracing renewables, Atlantic Canada can not only mitigate environmental impacts but also address energy poverty, reduce household costs and stimulate economic growth.”
The letter debunks New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs’s claim that Atlantic Canadian LNG exports would meet demand in Europe. It notes that energy company Repsol abandoned LNG export plans in New Brunswick because of economic infeasibility. Additionally, recent findings from Europe show a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation. This reduction is mostly attributed to the expansion of wind and solar infrastructure.
In Canada, fossil fuel dependency is declining. Coal and gas usage dropped steadily, and the number of petroleum product refineries has dropped from 40 in the 1970s to 17 in 2023. It’s clear fossil fuels are becoming a resource of the past.
We must continue this positive momentum of shifting away from fossil fuels and prioritize public health and community involvement in energy development. These 28 letter signatories advocate for realistic regional energy solutions that prioritize renewable sources like wind and solar as well as battery storage. The Conservation Council of New Brunswick and the other environmental groups who have signed this letter, are demanding that governments make decisions that pave the way for a better, cleaner and more prosperous future for all.
For more information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Corey Robichaud, Director of Communications, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | corey.robichaud@conservationcouncil.ca | 506.458.8747
Moe Qureshi, Director of Climate Research and Policy, Conservation Council of New Brunswick | moe.qureshi@conservationcouncil.ca | 506.458.8747