Editorial
Premier is right on wind power
The Gazette, Tuesday, October 31, 2006
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Meanwhile, it's worth noting wind power, the belle of the ball to many environmentalists, is, unfortunately, far from becoming much of a factor in solving the power problem our society faces.
Even with the right ownership model, other considerations are slowing down the rapid expansion of wind power in Quebec. Just last week, the Quebec Environmental Public Hearing Board, known as BAPE, refused a $350-million plan for a 114-windmill proposal from a Toronto firm, saying the installations - near Riviere-du-Loup - would ruin the view and be bad for birds and farmers.
This decision can only be seen as not-in-my-back-yardism of the worst sort.
It's sadly ironic that a plan to increase our supply of clean, safe, endless wind power runs into objections on - of all things - environmental grounds. This decision reveals the overall incoherence of our society. We want cheap safe power, but we want it without the slightest hint of a cost to anyone, even in remote areas.It's time for some realism. No doubt some improvements in this project are possible, but
the Quebec government can, and should, overrule BAPE on this matter.==========================================