Nova Scotia to speed up environmental reviews for clean energy projects
The Nova Scotia government is taking significant steps to accelerate the environmental review process for clean energy projects in order to meet its climate goals and phase out coal by 2030. This move, announced recently, involves reclassifying large biomass, biogas, and clean fuel projects as Class 1 instead of Class 2, allowing for faster approval within 50 days.
Environment Minister Tim Halman emphasized the province’s commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. By streamlining the approval process for clean energy projects, the government aims to expedite the transition to sustainable energy sources and combat global climate change.
In addition to elevating small modular reactor projects to Class 1 status, previously reserved for renewable energy projects, the government is exempting small wood biomass projects from the environmental review process. These projects will now be managed through the Environment Department’s industrial approval process.
To enhance transparency and public participation, the government is extending the Class 1 consultation period for members of the public and Mi’kmaq communities by 10 days, bringing the total consultation period to 40 days. Companies seeking approval for projects will be required to provide a “plain language” summary of the project’s benefits and impacts. Furthermore, the government will offer new guidance in “plain language” to companies on the environmental review process, with a focus on considering climate change implications before project approval.
Premier Tim Houston’s government has been proactive in unlocking the province’s natural resources potential, as demonstrated by the recent legislation lifting a moratorium on fracking and uranium mining and exploration. While the government did not specify whether potential shale gas fracking projects would undergo a Class 1 or Class 2 review process, it clarified that companies interested in such drilling would need approval through the industrial review process.
The changes to the environmental review process have garnered mixed reactions from stakeholders. Todd Burgess, executive director of Forest Nova Scotia, praised the simplification of regulations for the forest sector, anticipating growth and job creation in rural Nova Scotia. However, Karen McKendry from the Ecology Action Centre expressed concerns about the lack of meaningful improvements in the review process, particularly in terms of transparency and community engagement. She emphasized the need for the government to address these issues raised during previous consultations in order to ensure effective public participation and decision-making.
Overall, the Nova Scotia government’s efforts to expedite the approval of clean energy projects reflect a commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection. By prioritizing renewable energy sources and streamlining the review process, the province aims to make significant strides towards achieving its climate goals and ensuring a greener future for Nova Scotians.
