Premier McGuinty has promised “a busy and activist legislative session” starting with a Speech from the Throne on November 29, 2007. In light of his election promises, we look forward to learning more about:
• His “tough new toxic reduction law”;• How his government plans to “Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6% below 1990 levels by 2014, 15% below by 2020 and 80% by 2050. He had promised to:
– “Continue to replace coal-fired electricity, doubling renewables and doubling conservation;
– Build more rapid transit;
– Provide rebates / tax incentives for energy efficient appliances and home improvements;
– Plant 50 million new trees by 2020;
– Eliminate inefficient lightbulbs, and
– Encourage real time energy metering”;
• What they will do to “identify, target and reduce the number of cancer-causing agents released into our environment”;• A province-wide ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides;• Implementation of the new Endangered Species Act, and• Stronger protections for threatened lakes like Lake Simcoe.It looks as if environmental issues will be staying high on the political agenda!