New Brunswick’s primary forestry company has cautioned the Holt Liberal government about potential economic repercussions for the province if stricter clean-air regulations are implemented to reduce pollution. J.D. Irving Ltd. emphasized to the legislature’s climate change and environmental stewardship committee the need for a gradual update to the Clean Air Act to safeguard the province’s delicate industrial sector. Andy Carson, the company’s vice-president of government relations, stressed the importance of considering the broader economic landscape when contemplating future changes.
The company’s warning followed a presentation by a medical researcher to the committee, highlighting a correlation between sulphur dioxide pollution and elevated illness rates in New Brunswick. The researcher, Daniel Saucier, associated sulphur dioxide levels with a heightened risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurological disorder causing muscle control loss. Saucier pointed out a cluster of ALS cases near sulphur dioxide-emitting facilities in Bathurst.
The committee’s discussions revolved around updating the 30-year-old Clean Air Act, with proposed changes aiming to expand the scope of pollutants covered from five to 60 and revise related objectives. Differing viewpoints emerged during the session, with Saucier advocating for more stringent regulations requiring industries to manage pollutants and update objectives more frequently based on new scientific findings.
Conversely, Irving advocated for a cautious approach, suggesting phased implementation over five to ten years for stricter pollution limits to mitigate economic challenges. Mark Mosher, vice-president of Irving Pulp and Paper, emphasized the need to balance economic considerations amid ongoing provincial economic uncertainties.
J.D. Irving highlighted its efforts to reduce emissions, including a substantial decrease in sulphur dioxide emissions. The company explained the challenges in further reducing emissions, citing escalating costs as operations approach near-zero emissions and face global competition with less stringent regulations.
The government is soliciting written submissions and planning public consultation sessions for feedback on updating the Clean Air Act. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage emphasized the importance of balancing environmental, economic, and social aspects in revising the act to align with current and future realities in New Brunswick.
Minister LePage refrained from elaborating on the conflicting advice presented to the committee, emphasizing the necessity to adapt the act to meet the province’s evolving needs effectively.
