Canada's New Government supports clean air and energy efficiency projects in Yukon

 

OTTAWA, Mar 30, 2007 -- Canada NewsWire

 

Canada's Minister of the Environment, John Baird, joined by Premier and Minister of the Environment Dennis Fentie, today announced $5 million in funding for the Yukon as part of a trust fund set up by Canada's New Government to support provincial and territorial projects to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. The $1.5 billion dollar trust fund for clean air and climate change is part of the Government's recent $4.5 billion budget commitment to make real progress on important environmental issues.

"Yukon has proposed some real, concrete initiatives that will help Canada move forward on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. Our new Government has demonstrated its commitment to these reductions in our budget announcements, and we're demonstrating it here again today", said Minister Baird. "In supporting Yukon's efforts, we can work together to find solutions to Canada's environmental challenges."

Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie said the funds will be used to install a third hydro turbine at the Aishihik hydro electric plant in south-western Yukon since it supports a goal in the Yukon Government's Climate Change Strategy adopted in September 2006.

The strategy states the Yukon government will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Yukon through efficiency improvements in the short term and additional measures related to infrastructure replacement in the longer term by providing alternatives to diesel for electricity generation.

Premier Fentie said this project will reduce Yukon's estimated annual greenhouse gas emissions by 3,800 tonnes by reducing the Yukon's reliance on diesel generated electrical energy that would otherwise be required during peak demand times.

"The challenges and opportunities arising from climate change have moved to the forefront as we continue our efforts to responsibly manage our air, land, water and wildlife resources," Premier Fentie said. "This $5 million contribution is a welcome addition to our efforts to mitigate activities that contribute to climate change. These funds to reduce our dependence on diesel generated electricity can provide many long term benefits to this territory"

Canada's New Government is already delivering on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution by taking tangible steps with initiatives in the energy and transportation sectors such as ecoEnergy and ecoTransport, and by committing to implement aggressive regulations to reduce emissions in all sectors. The provincial and territorial initiatives supported by Canada's New Government's trust fund for clean air and climate change will complement those efforts.

As announced, resources for the trust will consist of $1.5 billion of new funding on a national basis. This funding is a part of the actions being taken by Canada's new Government in their plan to build a stronger, safer, better Canada. The funding will also play a part in the Government's action on the fiscal imbalance.

For more information about the Federal Government's environmental initiatives, please visit: http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca

For further information on the Yukon's environmental issues and programs, please visit: http://www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca

(Également offert en francais)

SOURCE: Government of Canada

SOURCE: YUKON GOVERNMENT

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