October 24, 2001

Pollution Probe supports Ontario’s move to set caps on industrial emissions

(Toronto, ON)  Pollution Probe supports Ontario’s emissions trading regulation that was announced today in Toronto to reduce air pollution.

“Minister Witmer has made remarkable progress in improving Ontario’s emissions trading regulation,” said executive director Ken Ogilvie.  “Ontario will get cleaner air because of the new regulation.” 

Pollution Probe believes that emissions trading is an acceptable tool to help reduce the amount of pollution released to the environment, but it only works effectively when there is an overall reduction target for industrial emissions.  Pollution Probe is pleased that the Minister has clearly committed to go beyond the electricity sector by capping emissions from other industrial sectors.

“Pollution Probe is dedicated to making this regulation and the Minister’s policy commitments work.  Our health is suffering and we need tough targets to improve Ontario’s air quality,” said Mr. Ogilvie.

Ontario suffers the worst air quality in the country.  The Ontario Medical Association estimates that 1,900 premature deaths occur in Ontario as a result of air pollution, costing over $1 billion to treat those affected by poor air quality. 

-30-

Ontario’s announcement http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/coalgen/clean_air.htm

For more information:
Ken Ogilvie, Executive Director
(416) 926-1907 x231