Energy Plan - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Offshore petroleum exploration and development activities occur in areas that
have been traditionally the domain of the fishery. In inshore waters, such as
Placentia Bay, transshipment and refining operations share areas with other users,
including transportation, fishery, other industry, recreational vessels and tourism
operations. We recognize the need for cooperation among these users. A good
example of such cooperation is One Ocean, a liaison organization established
by the fishing and petroleum industries of Newfoundland and Labrador. Under
the direction of a board with representation from both industries, One Ocean
promotes mutual understanding and provides a forum for communication,
information exchange and exploring shared opportunities.
In advancing energy development activities, it is important to consider and
respect the environmental and economic interests of Aboriginal peoples and
all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Many stakeholders, communities and
Aboriginal peoples are seeking increased opportunities to provide input into energy
policy and resource management. Aboriginal governments and organizations
are and will be consulted on resource developments in areas subject to land
claims or settled treaties. Aboriginal peoples bring their traditional knowledge
to the assessment of resource development and management, including the
environmental acceptability of, and impact mitigation for, proposed energy
projects in the province.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Reducing our energy use is the most direct way of reducing our energy footprint.
The difference between energy efficiency and energy conservation is often
overlooked, but these are two different approaches. We can be more efficient
in how we use energy and we can conserve energy by avoiding its use.
The advantages of both energy efficiency and conservation are clear: they help
protect our environment – locally and globally – by minimizing pollution and
GHGs. They also decrease energy costs both for individuals and businesses,
and help us make our resources go farther, benefiting our people today and
into the future.
Greater energy efficiency combined with conservation measures will lower our
reliance on oil today, thereby reducing the amount of emissions released into
the environment. Such measures can also help to ensure we have sufficient
electricity until the completion of the Lower Churchill development and the
transmission link to the Island.
POLICY
ACTIONS
Land, Water and Wildlife
The Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador will:
• Ensure that renewable and
non-renewable resources are
developed in a manner which
both maximizes benefits
for the province while at
the same time protecting
the natural environment,
including our land water and
wildlife, to the greatest extent
possible.
• Continue to work through the
Council of the Federation, the
Council of Energy Ministers
and the Canadian Council of
Ministers of the Environment
to improve the timeliness
and certainty of regulatory
approval decision-making
processes while maintaining
rigorous protection of the
environment and public
interest.
• Ensure that stakeholders,
communities, Aboriginal
governments and groups are
consulted appropriately on
the development of energy
projects.
In addition to protecting and preserving our environment, energy efficiency and
conservation can preserve our incomes and protect our economy. Around the
world, rapidly–rising energy prices and shortages in many areas have made
conservation and energy efficiency necessary parts of doing business. For
industry, more efficiency means a more competitive economic environment.
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