MacLeod introduces Act to promote Donkin mine coal
posted:
Nov 4 2009Macleod, Alfie
SYDNEY RIVER – Cape Breton West MLA Alfie MacLeod introduced a Bill in the Legislature today to promote the use of Donkin mine coal to produce electricity and also provide needed employment for the region.
“Donkin mine coal can provide a steady source of fuel for Nova Scotia Power,” said MacLeod in the Legislature. “A four-year period of coal mining would provide information to determine the economic viability of the coal mine.”
The Donkin Coal Mine Act states that NSPI may use the coal from Donkin mine to produce electricity for a period not to exceed the four years of the exploratory stage.
“It is my hope that given NSPI would have a consistent fuel source from the mine, we would see a direct benefit of stable power rates, putting money back into the pockets of Nova Scotian families,” said MacLeod.
Over the four years of the exploratory stage, NSPI would be exempt from provincial caps for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury emissions, as well as exempt from emission allocations pursuant to the Environment Act resulting from their use of the Donkin mine.
“On September 22, the Legislature unanimously supported my motion asking this government give their support to this project so Nova Scotians can enjoy electric heat generated by Cape Breton coal,” said MacLeod. “To date, this government has not acted and the Premier continues to dodge the question. That is truly disappointing news for Cape Bretoners.”
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For more information, please contact:
Sarah Reeves, Communications Officer
Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Caucus
902.424.7723 (office)
902.476.4167 (mobile)
