Provincial action needed on nature protection commitments

Wind Development in Newfoundland

More than 500,000 hectares of Crown land has been approved for 4 companies to build windmills and hydroammonia production facilities on the island. The next step, which some have completed, is to undergo environmental assessment to identify concerns of wind development areas on the island.

Email will be sent to Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy, and Techonology, and Lisa Dempster, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Honourable

Andrew

Parsons

Government of Newfoundland

Honourable

Lisa

Dempster

Government of Newfoundland and Labrado

To Minister Parsons and Minister Dempster,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing as a concerned resident of Newfoundland regarding the plans for four bid-approved wind energy projects; my concerns include the impacts of the clearing of natural/remote areas, construction of wind turbines, facilities, roads, and electrical infrastructure, as well as the long-term pollution and deterioration of the natural environment surrounding them. While I am in support of renewable energy in the province, I am deeply concerned about the manner in which these four projects are proceeding.

I am concerned about the timing of these wind energy projects. In the two years since the moratorium on wind energy development in NL was lifted Crown land has been allocated to wind projects. Closely tied to the process includes the inevitable impacts of increased accessibility from an expanded road network into remote areas. The speed at which our backyards are being converted into wind farms is just too fast, and raises questions among the community as to whether the province is giving proper consideration of environmental assessments, conservation of critical habitat within or around the area, and community perspective and feedback prior to moving forward.

Support from communities and experts is essential given the division in support that is evident for these projects. More effort in community and expert consultation is needed to come to a decision about what industries and land uses we want in our province.

We ask that the province consider these concerns and exercise patience in the approval and delivery of wind development in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sincerely,

{user_data~First Name} {user_data~Last Name}

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