Growing Pushback Against the Tantramar Project

The push to stop the proposed Tantramar gas plant in southeastern New Brunswick is gaining serious momentum. Local and national advocacy groups want the province to rethink the project. Even though it cleared a major regulatory hurdle this spring, opponents say the costs and risks are too high.

According to Global News, NB Power signed a 25 year contract with Missouri based ProEnergy to build 10 natural gas turbines in a rural area. The 500 megawatt natural gas and diesel fired power plant will cost between $2.5 billion and $3.5 billion. NB Power states the plant will keep your lights on during high demand and provide backup power when wind and solar fall short.

Environmental and Health Concerns

Advocates argue the gas plant comes at an unacceptable cost to the environment and human health. Mike Marcolongo, associate director of Environmental Defence Canada, questions the location chosen for the facility.

“Why would you put a gas plant in the middle of this ecological jewel?” Marcolongo asked.

He also noted that gas plants emit nitrogen oxide, which contributes to smog and worsens respiratory illnesses. In June, over 300 doctors and medical staff demanded an independent study on the potential health impacts of the project.

Regulatory Missteps and Legal Action

Opponents also point to a lack of proper oversight. Lisa Griffin, coordinator for Protect the Chignecto Isthmus, says the approval process lacked transparency.

“There have been many if not all regulatory procedures that have been bypassed in order to rush this project through,” Griffin said. “There are problems with the water assessment, problems with the air assessment, problems with the regulatory procedure at the Energy Utility Board. So there are legal teams who are taking on legal action.”

The auditor general backed up some of these claims in a June report. The report found that NB Power entered into a long term agreement without regulatory approval and selected equipment without studying alternatives.

The Government Defense

NB Power and provincial officials maintain the project is necessary for grid stability. They call it the Renewables Integration and Grid Security project. They claim it will enable more renewable energy on the grid while reducing emissions from older generation sources.

Energy Minister Rene Legacy defended the decision to use gas over cleaner alternatives like battery storage. He stated that batteries cannot provide the required capacity over a 36 to 72 hour period as cost effectively as the Tantramar project.

Legacy acknowledged the community concerns but noted the project is still undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment. He asked the public to let the assessment process finish fairly. The project also requires Indigenous consent before final approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Tantramar gas plant?

It is a proposed 500 megawatt natural gas and diesel fired power plant located in southeastern New Brunswick.

Why does NB Power want to build it?

NB Power says the plant will provide reliable backup electricity when renewable sources like wind and solar do not generate enough power.

Why are people opposing the project?

Advocacy groups and medical professionals cite environmental damage, health risks from smog, high financial costs, and a lack of proper regulatory oversight.

What happens next for the gas plant?

The project must complete an Environmental Impact Assessment and secure Indigenous consent before construction can begin.