The governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador have told a Senate committee they want to see federal legislation quickly passed that would help establish an offshore wind industry. east coast of Canada.
Tory Rushton, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Natural Resources, told committee members that changes to the implementation of the Atlantic Accords are “essential” to help his province reduce its consumption of fossil fuels.
Rushton hopes the bill will pass without amendment so Nova Scotia can put mirror legislation in place this fall and issue a first call for tenders for projects in 2025.
The proposed federal amendments would allow the development of offshore wind farms by allowing government regulation, and they would expand the mandates of each province’s offshore oil boards to include renewable energy.
Andrew Parsons, Newfoundland and Labrador’s energy minister, says the legislation would allow his province to establish a new energy sector that would create jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
However, groups including the Newfoundland and Labrador Fishermen’s Union and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs have called for more time to consult on changes to ensure that the development of renewable energies at sea does not harm fishing or the environment.
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