Statement from Environmental Defence Associate Director Mike Marcologo in response to approval of New Brunswick gas and diesel plant

Fossil fuel power plant is a costly and short-sighted ecologically destructive project 

Today’s decision by the New Brunswick government to grant conditional environmental approval to the 500-megawatt Tantramar gas and diesel power plant is irresponsible. This decision puts corporate interests and short-term political convenience ahead of the health of New Brunswickers, and it threatens the integrity of a globally significant ecosystem and Canada’s own climate commitments. 

We should not be siting fossil-fueled power plants in the middle of one of the most ecologically sensitive areas in Atlantic Canada. Despite a long list of conditions on the approval, there is no way to eliminate the damage of fragmenting a wildlife corridor or breathing toxic air. The Chignecto Isthmus deserves protection, not industrialization.

Environmental Defence Canada stands with the Protect the Chignecto Isthmus Coalition (PCIC) and the New Brunswickers opposing the Renewables Integration and Grid Security (RIGS) project.

Background: 

  • The gas and diesel plant, known as RIGS (Renewables Integration and Grid Security), is to be built by Missouri-based company ProEnergy.
  • The approval from Environment Minister Gilles LePage comes with a list of 45 conditions. 
  • New Brunswick’s Auditor General found that NB Power signed a US$55.1 million contract with ProEnergy before the plant had received any official approval — committing ratepayers to financial penalties before the public had any say. 
  • Expert evidence submitted to the EUB by Synapse Energy Economics demonstrated that battery energy storage systems represent a viable, cost-effective alternative to this gas and diesel plant.
  • Air pollution from the plant including nitrogen dioxide, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and nitrogen oxides are projected to exceed Canadian air quality standards, threatening the respiratory health of communities on both sides of the provincial border. The plant is expected to be one of New Brunswick’s top industrial polluters, producing cancer-causing toxins linked to serious respiratory illness.
  • Wetlands, groundwater, and surface water in the region all face risks from industrial operations. A diesel fuel backup system adds further spill risk and air quality concerns. 
  • The noise and light pollution alone will disrupt wildlife behaviour in an ecosystem already under pressure.

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is a leading Canadian environmental advocacy organization that works with government, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Stephanie Kohls, Environmental Defence, media@environmentaldefence.ca