Antonella Artuso
The London Free Press
February 16, 2007

Ontario Energy Minister Dwight Duncan is boasting about lowering coal-plant emissions even as he refuses to install more of the pollution control devices that contributed to the cleaner air, one energy expert says.

Duncan announced yesterday that greenhouse-gas emissions from Ontario’s coal-fired generation stations have dropped by 29 per cent since his Liberal government took office in 2003, bringing emissions below 1990 levels.

A government news release notes "acid rain and smog-causing" nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide emissions have dropped significantly over that same time period.

"By replacing coal-fired generation with conservation and cleaner, greener power sources, our government is demonstrating its strong commitment to fighting climate change and protecting the air we all breathe," Duncan said.

But Energy Probe executive director Tom Adams said conservation and green power sources such as wind have played only a small part in cutting emissions.

Ontario has reduced its reliance on coal because it has more nuclear power, which was being brought on line as the Liberals came to power, he said.

The most dramatic drop in emissions – a 46-per-cent plunge in nitrous oxide levels – is due to a decision made in the late 1990s to put pollution-control devices on the four most heavily used coal units in the province, Adams said.

"This has nothing to do with the Liberal government. It proves the value of putting pollution-control devices on these coal plants."

Duncan said it makes little sense to install more of the costly devices now because his government plans to phase out coal plants by 2011.

The ministry estimates coal plants would have to stay open until 2030 to warrant the expense of the scrubbers, he said.

The devices also do little to eliminate carbon dioxide, the key contributor to climate change, Duncan said.

Adams said the 2011 deadline is unrealistic. "And long-term, that means much dirtier air than we need to be exposed to," he said.