Toronto, ON – The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) and Environmental Defence applaud today’s closure of the Lambton coal-fired electricity generating plant. The coal plant produced the equivalent carbon pollution of 1.8 million cars and was a major contributor to smog in southern Ontario. It’s been estimated that the health impacts of burning coal in Ontario were $3 billion per year.
“Ontario’s coal phase-out is the largest carbon reduction project in North America. Closing Lambton is a big step in the right direction to prevent global warming. Ontario is setting a global example by proving that a large economy can move from a heavy reliance on polluting coal to using none,” said Gillian McEachern of Environmental Defence. “By replacing coal with pollution-free renewable energy, Ontario is becoming a leader in the growing global clean energy race.”
“Our doctors know that, behind every coal statistic, there’s a child with an asthma puffer or a senior on an oxygen machine,” said CAPE Executive Director Gideon Forman. “But thanks to today’s closure – and what we hope will be the speedy closure of the remaining plants – we’ll all be healthier. Ontario’s coal phase-out is a public-health victory of global significance and this government deserves a lot of credit.”
About CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (www.cape.ca): With over 6,000 members across Canada, CAPE works to protect human health by protecting the environment.
About ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (www.environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is Canada’s most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all.
