National Wind Watch: Wind Energy News » Health study needed before more turbines; MPP Thomson asks for moratorium

Lisa Thompson, MPP (Huron-Bruce) will be using her private members ballot spot on March 8th to debate an important motion she tabled on December 8th, 2011.

Thompson tabled a motion calling for a moratorium on all further industrial wind turbine development until a third party health and environmental study has been completed. Thompson has heard from many constituents in Huron-Bruce and from residents across Ontario who have been concerned about the environmental, physical, social, and economic health of their communities, and believes third party studies should be completed.

“The health and well-being of the people of Ontario should be first priority when developing renewable energy projects,” said Thompson. “The McGuinty Liberals have failed to listen to rural Ontario, and have forged ahead placing industrial wind turbines in communities that are not willing hosts, without knowing the health and environmental implications.”

Last month Ontario’s largest farm organization, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), along with the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (CFFO) called for a suspension of further industrial wind turbine projects until serious shortcomings can be fixed.

The OFA has said the development of industrial wind turbines are pitting rural residents against each other, and members have told federation representatives about the health risks associated with wind turbines.

In December, Ontario’s Auditor General confirmed exactly what the Progressive Conservatives have been saying all along: that the McGuinty Liberal’s approach to renewable energy is flawed and has lacked proper oversight. In January, Greenpeace Co-Founder Dr. Patrick Moore said wind turbines destroy more jobs than they create and lead to higher energy prices.

“The Auditor General hit the nail on the head,” said Thompson. “These industrial wind farms were constructed in haste, without proper planning, and without the proper science. A third party health and environmental study is crucial to ensuring families living close to industrial wind farms have their health and safety protected. We also need to determine the social and economic impact these turbines are having on communities.”

Thompson has developed a petition to the Ontario Legislature in support of her motion. To obtain a copy, please visit www.lisathompsonmpp.ca and click on ‘Petitions.’