NDP calls for moratorium on private power projects

Posted March 31st, 2008
in
For Immediate Release
March 31, 2008 
NDP CALLS FOR MORATORIUM ON PRIVATE POWER PROJECTS 

VICTORIA — As the Campbell Liberals back down from plans to debate a controversial motion on private power projects in the B.C. Legislature, the New Democrats are calling for a moratorium on future developments until an independent investigation is complete. 

“The overwhelming public opposition to the run of the river project on the Upper Pitt River shows the government should stop this process until we have a full independent investigation,” said B.C. NDP Leader Carole James.  

“We’ve seen quite clearly that Campbell government’s energy plan has failed communities and restricted B.C. Hydro. It does not give enough consideration to public input, to the environmental impact, nor does it address the broader question about how these projects would fit into B.C.’s public energy plan.”  

James noted that the B.C. Liberals were scheduled to debate a motion in support of the private power projects today, but backed down at the last minute. 

“Clearly, this government is embarrassed and sees they’re heading in the wrong direction,” said James. “Now that they’ve seen the public reaction, they’re hiding from public debate about their agenda to bring in privatized power.  

“But hundreds of projects are still on the table. We’re saying let’s stop this process until we have a full independent investigation.” 

James added that while the Environmental Assessment Office is already actively considering private power projects, such as the Run of the River project on the Upper Pitt, it’s not too late to do the right thing. 

“The Campbell government has ignored the public on this issue, and they’ve ignored the work that needs to be done to make sure this project is right for British Columbians. New Democrats are saying: investigate now, before we start building these projects in rivers across B.C. that could adversely impact our wild fish stocks, our parks, and other aspects of the environment,” James said.  

James noted that the Campbell government brought about a serious lack of accountability when it passed Bill 30, which allowed for provincial legislation to override local zoning for private power projects. --30--

Media contact: Neera Ritcey, 604-317-4450