Minister Smitherman has announced a series of amendments to Bill 150, the Green Energy Act. Many of them respond to the recommendations of the Ontario Bar Association which Dianne presented to the Legislative Committee on Monday, as well as the concerns of the Law Society about Inspections and solicitor-client privilege.
The key amendments include:
- a broadening of the grounds of appeal against renewable energy approvals, in cases of serious health effects;
- a new process for consultation with municipalities and a broad range of government ministries on siting of renewable energy projects;
- increased access to information so the Environmental Commissioner can provide proper oversight;
- elimination of unnecessary inspection and seizure powers; and
- a consultation process on setbacks.
The announcement is as follows:
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TOPICS – AMENDMENTS – POLICY DEVELOPMENT
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Home Energy Audits
The buyer can opt out if the audit is not desired (eg. major renovations or demolition contemplated). Regulations will focus on principal residences, single family homes.
The audit will be transferable so that retrofit
grants can be accessed by buyers.
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Community Consultation and Municipal Assistance
Creating a new section that clearly ensures administration of the GEA is done in such a way as to promote community consultation.
A uniform process for proponent consultation with municipalities on site requirements and local infrastructure, as part of the renewable energy approvals process.
Establish a working group involving Ministries of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Environment, Natural
Resources, Energy and Infrastructure, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
Establish a provincial program to ensure municipalities can recover costs associated with
renewable energy projects.
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Community and Aboriginal Assistance
Establish a provincial program to ensure Aboriginal costs associated with
renewable energy projects can be recovered.
Establish a program to ensure project costs associated with
community renewable energy projects can be recovered.
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Health Concerns
Amending grounds for appeal under the Environmental Protection Act to protect against serious health effects.
The Ministry of the Environment to establish and fund an academic research chair to examine potential
public health effects of renewable energy projects.
Ongoing review of health and scientific research by the Ministry of the Environment.
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Setbacks
Continued consultation by the Ministry of Environment to
establish province-wide minimum setback standards and regulations regarding renewable energy projects
(excluding some forms of renewable energy such as rooftop solar) with regard to human health, noise, and low frequency vibration.
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Enforcement
Inspection and search provisions related to home
energy audits and minimum energy efficiency standards
for appliances and products will be eliminated.
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Mandating Domestic Content
New section which clearly establishes the government’s commitment to domestic content.
Domestic content levels will be established consistent with trade agreements and consultation with relevant sectors.
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Minister’s Directive
Clarify that procurement directives under the new
Powers directive authority focus only on renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation.
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Energy Procurement
Reviewing future policy opportunities to address
energy technologies including geothermal, solar thermal,
combined heat and power and small scale wind.
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Stray Voltage
Minister to direct the Ontario Energy Board to
manage and address issues related to stray voltage.
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Environmental Commissioner
Ensuring the ECO can meet the responsibilities outlined in the GEA.
Ensuring the information and documentation related to the development of conservation targets is transparent and publicly available.