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Coalition launches green ribbon campaign
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Brenda Brochu and Adele Boucher Rymhs
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Susan Thompson
for Smoky River Express
The Coalition for a Nuclear Free Alberta (CNFA) has launched a green ribbon campaign opposing nuclear power.
The coalition hopes the campaign will convince the provincial government that investing in green renewable energy sources is the right choice for meeting the province’s future electricity needs.
The coalition does not believe nuclear energy is a green alternative source of energy. The campaign’s slogan is: “A truly green energy future . . . does not include nuclear power.”
Energy company Bruce Power still plans to build a new nuclear power plant outside of Peace River.
“The government has stated publicly that it intends to make a decision on the role of nuclear power in Alberta by the end of the fall sitting of the Legislature – apparently without even looking at the benefits of various sources of renewable energy,” CNFA President Adele Boucher Rymhs, who lives near Grimshaw, said in a press release.
“We are asking Albertans to join us in saying no to nuclear power in this province and call on the government to show some leadership in encouraging investment in renewables.”
The coalition backs the recommendation put forward earlier this year by the Pembina Institute to have an expert panel study renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.The province has already appointed an expert panel to study the use of nuclear power in Alberta. Albertans were also asked to submit their opinions on nuclear energy as part of a recent public consultation process.
Albertans who want to keep Alberta nuclear free are being asked to purchase and wear green ribbons.
The coalition is also urging Albertans to speak to their MLAs about why they oppose nuclear power and why renewable energy sources are a better option.
The campaign will culminate with a rally at the provincial legislature in Edmonton on Oc.t 27 to coincide with the beginning of the fall session. CNFA will be arranging transportation to the rally for supporters.
“Nuclear power is not experiencing the renaissance that was predicted – it’s becoming more and more obvious all the time that renewable sustainable energy is the future for the whole world,” Boucher Rymhs adds. “Alberta should not get left behind.”
The group cites a March 2009 survey conducted by Ipsos Reid which showed that nearly 80% of Albertans support renewables.
For more information or to purchase a $2 ribbon, visit: www.keepalbertanuclearfree.com.
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