Tess

On September 9th 2002, Ontario set a record when it declared its 25th smog day of the year. This announcement set the scene for the unveiling of the Liberal government’s environment and energy plan. The plan will be used as next year’s election platform. It consists of improving air quality by closing five coal fired power plants; setting aside 2 cents per litre of gasoline tax for the public transit; and promoting reusable energy.
The intent of the government is to complete the project by 2007. However, this decision will affect many areas of the Ontario economy. The planned course of action, both short and long-term consequences and steps needed to be taken by the government or others will be examined.

The government plans to stop its use of and reliance on Ontario’s five coal fired power plants by forcing energy suppliers eventually to provide 5% of the plants’ generated power from hydroelectricity, landfill methane and wind by...