Slow the flow on wind energy: Environmental group

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Enviro Watch NL, a newlyestablished, province-wide organization, is pressing the Newfoundland and Labrador government to pump the brakes on the wind energy approval process.

Made up of members from across the province, the group raised concerns over the scale of wind-hydrogenammonia plans and the impact on wilderness protection and rural communities.

Tara Manuel, Enviro Watch NL spokesperson, voiced concerns about the province pushing forward numerous large-scale wind projects without substantial public consultation.

“Members of (this) organization fear the government’s delay on wilderness protection is deliberate and that industrial development will get priority,” said Manuel.

“Their decision to proceed full speed ahead with numerous large-scale wind turbine development projects, without any meaningful public consultation, and without first developing a public policy on the issue, shows just how out of touch this administration is with the people of the province whom they are supposed to be representing.”

Enviro Watch NL called for a pause on all wind energy proposals until broad public consultation occurs and a decommissioning policy is in place.