YOUNGER URGES NDP TO NAME TIDAL ENERGY ADVISORY BOARD
Date: Saturday September 26, 2009

(Halifax, NS) Liberal MLA and environment critic Andrew Younger has
expressed concern over the Minister of the Environment’s failure to
appoint members of an Environmental Advisory Panel that will oversee the
Bay of Fundy tidal energy project.

"I am thrilled that the province is moving forward with exploring
renewable energy options in the Bay of Fundy,” said the Dartmouth East
MLA. “For this tidal energy project to be deemed a financial,
environmental and public success, the process must be open and fully
transparent.”

"With the turbines about to go in the water, I am shocked that the
minister has still not announced the members of the panel,” continued
Younger. “Additionally, the minister has not established terms of
reference and refuses to commit to the house that the panel will
adequately represent the broad depth of support and concerns for this
trial."

Younger pointed out that the success of this trial cannot only be
measured by financial means of the amount of energy produced. Success
must also be measured in public acceptance which will only be possible
if the public feels the process has been inclusive and transparent.

"As a former fisherman, I am surprised the minister does not think that
the voice of the fishing community is important," says Younger. "The
minister simply cannot wait any longer before naming that committee.”


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