Tell Premier Doug Ford and Energy Minister Todd Smith to stop expanding gas generation
THE PROBLEM
Since phasing out the use of highly polluting coal, Ontario prides itself on having a mostly clean electricity supply. But, Ontario’s electricity supply is about to get a lot dirtier.
Ontario has its foot on the gas and is actively working to massively ramp up the use of “natural” gas – a fossil fuel – to generate electricity. Gas power creates greenhouse gas emissions which are bad for the climate and nitrogen oxides which are harmful to human health. Gas is also mostly methane – a potent greenhouse gas that is driving climate change.
WHERE GAS PLANTS COULD BE BUILT
Southern Ontario has been identified as a target area for new gas projects. And existing gas plants are prime candidates for expansions. So we’re likely to see (and have already seen) gas expansion proposals pop up in places with gas plants, including: Windsor, Sarnia, St. Clair, Brampton, Halton Hills, King, Greater Napanee, Cardinal, and the Ottawa area.
In the Greater Toronto Area, the gas plants in Brampton, Halton Hills and Toronto are already among the region’s biggest polluters. Adding more gas generation will make these facilities a lot more polluting.
BRAMPTON'S GOREWAY GAS PLANT
Brampton's largest emitter of greenhouse gases which are bad for the climate
Brampton's third largest emitter of nitrous oxides which are harmful for human health
The GTA's fifth largest emitter of greenhouse gases
BRAMPTON'S GOREWAY GAS PLANT
HALTON HILLS' GAS PLANT
Halton Hills' largest emitter of greenhouse gases which are bad for the climate
Halton Hills' largest emitter of nitrous oxides which are harmful for human health
The GTA's second largest emitter of greenhouse gases
HALTON HILLS GAS PLANT
Toronto's Portlands Gas Plant
Toronto's largest emitter of greenhouse gases which are bad for the climate
Toronto's largest emitter of nitrous oxides which are harmful for human health
The GTA's fourth largest emitter of greenhouse gases
Toronto's Portlands Gas Plant
THE SOLUTION
Ontario needs to phase out, not ramp up the use of fossil gas to generate electricity.
The good news is that it's possible. To transition to a clean energy grid, the province must invest in solutions like solar and wind, along with battery storage which allows the energy to be used when needed.
TAKE ACTION
At a time when we need to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Ontario is planning to increase them by using a lot more polluting fossil gas to generate electricity.
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JOIN THE COMMUNITY
The good news is that we can stop these gas plants at the local level. New gas projects require municipal council support and councilors listen to their constituents. That means that your voice matters.
If you live in one of the above areas with an existing gas plant and want to take action in your community, you can sign up for our newsletter and we’ll send you resources, action alerts, and event invites. We will also send you a link to order a lawn sign