More of Mair’s green energy misinformation
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Updated: November 19, 2009 11:57 AM
Editor, The Record:
Re: Right wing columnist not honest about environmental issues (Mission Record: Nov. 5, 2009).
Based on Rafe Mair’s unceasing hysteria and misinformation about green energy run-of-river projects in B.C., it’s safe to conclude that Mair has never actually visited an operating run-of-river site.
If he had, Mair would know that run-of-river projects have one of the smallest physical, environmental and carbon footprints of any form of electricity generation. Mair would also know that run-of-river projects do not harm salmon and that they typically restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitat as a direct result of their construction.
One would think that after nearly two years spreading inaccurate and misleading information about run-of-river and independent green energy projects, Rafe Mair might have taken a bit of time to educate himself and correct his misinformed statements and factual errors. Unfortunately, such is not the case.
Surely Mair recalls the infamous plane ride he took with NDP leader Carole James last spring on Earth Day? You know, the one where he and Carole James flew a plane load of air-sick reporters around in circles for several hours in a vain and unsuccessful search for the supposed “environmental havoc” Mair claims is devastating our province.
The whole exercise served to vividly demonstrate how little impact there really is from run-of-river projects. It even turned out that the carbon credits the air charter company purchased to offset the aviation fuel they burned that day were purchased from a company that invests in, you guessed it, run-of-river projects.
Mair’s many other claims about independent green energy projects are equally false. For example, BC Hydro does not buy electricity from independent producers for more than they can sell it. Anyone can go to BC Hydro’s website and read the contract terms BC Hydro sets out in their purchase agreements with independent producers and see for themselves.
Obviously Rafe Mair has not bothered to check out the facts otherwise he would know better and would not be making the kind of misinformed claims he keeps making.
David Field, Co-spokesperson
B.C. Citizens for Green Energy
