Water. Is it – and our rivers – a private source for profit? More fundamentally, does someone “own” B.C. rivers or are rivers a public asset and resource beyond ownership? You would think it to be the latter.
The B.C. New Democratic Party is pushing for a moratorium on run-of-river projects as part of their campaign in the run up to this year’s May 12th provincial elections. The Liberal provincial government has been issuing licenses to private companies for run-of-river power generation since 2001 — with limited public consultation. That would explain the limited knowledge among the general public. Yet, increases in hydroelectric rates have not compelled them to look into the matter further.
Run-of-river projects evidently have a potential adverse effect on B.C.’s natural habitat and wildlife. Environmentally irresponsible management of this budding “industry” may very well go the way of B.C.’s forestry and mining industries.
For coverage on private hydroelectric power as an election issue, read:
“Hydro Power Production Electrifies B.C. Election Campaign” — by The Canadian Press, via CBC News (April 26, 2009)
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/bcvotes2009/story/2009/04/26/bc-votes-2009-rdp26.html
“Private Power Surges as Election Issue” — by CTV News (April 21, 2009)
http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090421/BC_Private_Power_090421/20090421/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome
Save Our Rivers Society is holding information sessions on the issue of run-of-river projects in B.C. during the last week of April and beginning of May. Check their calendar for dates and times and go to their website for comprehensive information: http://saveourrivers.ca/
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Why have so many BC Liberal insiders move to the IPP industry where they have dished out $30 billion in contracts for electricity that BC Hydro could produce at a fraction of that?
Here are some of the links that should be investigated:
Geoff Plant, former BC Liberal Attorney General @ Renaissance Power.
Mark Grant, BC Liberal executive director@ Rupert Peace Power.
David Cyr, former Assistant to BC Liberal Minister Mike de Jong @ Plutonic Power.
Robert Poore, worked under the Provincial Revenue Minister of the Province of BC @ Plutonic Power.
Tom Syer, who has held a variety of senior positions in the BC Government including Gordon Campbell’s Deputy Chief of Staff @ Plutonic Power.
Bill Irwin, after holding key positions in the BC Ministries of Land and Water, and Crown Lands @ Plutonic Power.
Bruce Young, has held several high profile positions with the BC Liberal party and lobbied his own party on behalf of Katabatic Power @ Atla Energy.
Stephen Kukucha, former senior policy advisor for the BC Ministry of Environment @ Atla Energy.
Bob Herath, former Assistant Regional Water Manager for the BC Ministry of Environment @ Syntaris Power.
Paul Taylor, after his work as President and CEO of crown corporation ICBC as well as high level positions in the BC Government@ Naikun Wind Energy Group.
Michael J. O’Conner, former President and CEO of Crown Corporation BC Transit @ Naikun.
Jackie Hamilton, formerly held various BC Government environmental assessment and regulatory management positions @ Cloudworks Energy.
Source:
http://www.publicpowerbc.ca/insiders-move-ipp-industry