Ontarians Favour Closing Coal Burning Power Plants
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Strong Support For Moving Away From Coal Power
The SES/Osprey Media survey completed February 3rd found that almost one in two Ontarians (47%) support the Ontario government’s decision to close down all of Ontario’s coal burning power plants. The poll also found that 29% of Ontarians were opposed to this decision. Support for closing the coal burning power plants was higher among younger Ontarians (18 to 39 years of age).
According to Jason Hayes, a Research Analyst with the Coal Association of Canada, Ontario’s coal-fueled generating stations meet about 25 per cent of electricity demand. Total fossil emissions of acid gas were only 37 per cent of what they were in 1983 even though electricity production was almost 14 per cent higher.
The David Sukuki Foundation says that Ontario can reduce energy waste and generate enough green energy for the province to shut down all five of its polluting coal-fired electricity plants. A report, Green Power Opportunities for Ontario, contains recommendations on how the provincial government can move Ontario toward a green energy economy by:
- Shutting down all five of Ontario’s coal-fired electricity plants
- Implementing a demand side management program (energy efficient measures facilitated by utility programs)
- Implementing a renewable portfolio standard to mandate a minimum level of green, renewable energy for all electrical producers
- Removing hidden subsidies to polluting forms of energy, including coal, so that all forms of energy can compete on a level playing field
Poll Methodology
Polling was conducted between January 30th to February 3rd, 2006 (Random Telephone Survey of 500 Ontario residents, MoE ± 4.5%, 19 times out of 20). Percentages may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Question: The government of Ontario is in the process of closing down all of Ontario’s coal burning power plants. Do you strongly support, somewhat support, neither support nor oppose, somewhat oppose or strongly oppose this decision?
- Strongly support 26%
- Somewhat support 21%
- Neither 14%
- Somewhat oppose 15%
- Strongly oppose 14%
- Unsure/No answer 10%
The detailed demographic subtabulations along with the methodology are posted at http://www.sesresearch.com.
@ February 27, 2006