Freeze N.B. greenhouse gas emissions: council

The Conservation Council of New Brunswick is calling for a freeze on current greenhouse gas emissions in the province, and asking that the premier remember his past support of the Kyoto Protocol.

David Coon, policy director for the council, says New Brunswick industry is responsible for roughly 12 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year about half the provincial total. The council also says emissions have increased by 46 per cent since 1990.

Coon says the council wants the Liberal government to freeze emissions by Irving Oil and NB Power at their current levels, companies he says are responsible for most of the province's industry-released emissions.

Coon saysPremier Shawn Graham has been silent on global warming, and there should be mention of this issue in the provincial throne speech to be delivered Feb. 6.

"If there's not, one has to ask where is our premier on fighting global warming," Coon said. "When he was in opposition, he supported Kyoto. If we are going to get anywhere near our Kyoto targets, action is long overdue, and it needs to be a top of mind priority."

Coon says it is not likely that industry would take action without incentives or regulations being issued by the provincial government.

He says once the freeze is in place, the government could help develop a plan to reduce emissions to meet the Kyoto targets.