Eco Alert Winter 2015

CONSERVATION COUNCIL OF NEW BRUNSWICK WINTER 2015Page 4Major Savings withEnergy Retrofit Publication Poste- Mail publications 40050411ENERGY EAST PIPELINE • BRIAN KENNY Q&A • NEW BRUNSWICK RIVERS



CONSERVATION COUNCIL editorialOF NEW BRUNSWICK MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTORBOARD OF DIRECTORS The Sun is RisingPRESIDENT 2015 could be a stellar year for • In November, we all watched as UnitedLiane Thibodeau conservation and environmental protection States and China unveiled ambitious in New Brunswick, and we here at the targets to reduce pollution. Huge newsDIRECTORS Conservation Council are hopeful. from the world’s economic superpowers. Why? Well, because December 2014 wasJohn Bird so shiny. • Just a few weeks ago, we saw anotherStephanie Coburn New Brunswick’s provincial government great step forward – the US and IndiaJohn Crompton started out on a great foot — bringing in a agreement on driving renewable energyRébeka Frazer-Chiasson moratorium on fracking for shale gas. The development and deployment. This willSusan Eddy announcement came just a few days after not only bring fresh air and a big politicalKathie Goggin citizens in New York State and Quebec boost to the global push toward a cleanHannah Grant heard similar news from their leadership — climate (all leading up to the UnitedMatthew Hayes momentum that was bolstered again with Nations treaty negotiations that areFrank Johnston Scotland’s ban early in the New Year. supposed to be finalized in Paris in 2015),Scott Kidd The NB announcement was welcome but will also immediately create jobs inDavid MacDonald news. Not only does fracking threaten our a sector destined to help us ease awayTyler McCready water, but having a moratorium in place from our dependence on oil and coal.Rob Moir lets us turn the page on that chapter of ourAndrew Secord province’s history and begin writing the • New Brunswick has a climate changeOwen Taylor much more exciting chapter of transforming action plan that when first introducedPaula Tippett our economy into a sustainable and climate- (eight years ago now) was one of theJessica Vihvelin friendly force that’s fuelled by green jobs. best. With an ambitious, job-focused That’s no exaggeration. There are so government in place, it could serve as aSTAFF many exciting things happening within the platform to increase economic activity. renewable energy and energy efficiency By creating additional programs to helpEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR sectors that it is hard to stay on top of it people reduce emissions, introducing a all. Solar panels cost 150x less today than province-wide program to retrofit homesLois Corbett they did in the 70s. The power-generating and businesses, and a plan to develop capacity of solar and wind technology renewable energy – helping us put solarPROGRAM STAFF has doubled every two years for the last panels on our roofs, for example – we 10 years, with no signs of slowing down. could re-claim a leadership position onMatt Abbott, Fundy Baykeeper These things, coupled with the ongoing the East Coast and create thousands ofTracy Glynn, Forest Conservation advancements in electric cars, photo jobs.Nadine Ives, No Child Left Inside Project voltaic battery storage, heat pumps andJon MacNeill, Communications other energy efficiency measures are all Our 2015 checklist could also be roundedStephanie Merrill, Freshwater Protection converging to make a smarter, cleaner, and out with a river and stream classificationInka Milewski, Science Advisor safer world possible. program finally put in place; a commitment After all, chasing every last molecule of to review the forest management strategyADMINISTRATION oil and gas – whether it is buried deep in with an eye toward better protection of shale or mixed in with sand in the tarsands conservation areas, old growth stands andStephanie Phillips – flies in the face of the hard reality that deer wintering yards (and supporting local burning fossil fuels is driving climate job creation); an end to herbicide sprayingCONSERVATION COUNCIL change. We know New Brunswickers are on Crown lands; new measures to protectOF NEW BRUNSWICK serious about our rapidly shifting climate. wetlands; and a fleshed-out plan to protect And a poll released in late November found our coastal areas.180 St. John Street the majority of Canadians share the same It seems like a long list but, in reality, aFredericton New Brunswick values and concern, with 88 per cent of lot of the work has already been done.Canada E3B 4A9 Canadians saying they want our leadership What we need now is strong political willwww.conservationcouncil.ca to commit to significant new climate – empowered by voices from people likeTel: (506) 458-8747 Fax: (506) 458-1047 actions.Email: [email protected] So, will this be the year we see you – and we can watch together action on climate change and as the sun breaks over a new era inFor advertising inquiries, please contact: environmental protection, here at New Brunswick. home and abroad? We think so,MANAGING EDITOR because the dominoes are lining up: – Lois Corbett, Executive Director, Conservation Council of New BrunswickJon MacNeill, [email protected]@conservationcouncil.caGRAPHIC DESIGNERStacy Howroyd,[email protected] CONSERVATION COUNCIL OF NEW BRUNSWICK 1

Well-Being on the Water: Meet Our New PresidentIf you ask Liane Thibodeau why she’s passionate about environmental She stepped away from campaigning for a But seeing that kind of passion, and the protection, she’s more likely to tell you while when she moved to Fredericton in the positive results it can produce (read our about a place - specifically, the water mid-90s, focusing on her consulting career article on the shale gas moratorium in this surrounding the Kingston Peninsula - than and later her human resource consulting issue!), makes Liane think there is a real give you a list of reasons. business. shift happening in New Brunswick, where However, as was the case with many more and more people are getting serious “There is a feeling you get when you’re New Brunswickers, the prospect of shale about addressing climate change. out here and there is mist in the morning gas development taking place across the She sees the Conservation Council playing and the water is so calm reflections are province spurned her into action once more. an important role in that process by sharing showing,” Liane says. “It’s unbelievable how Liane connected with organizers along positive stories about energy efficiency, beautiful it is. And it just gives you such a the Kingston Peninsula (where she and renewable power, and other ways we sense of well-being and peace that you her partner now live), and was immediately can make our communities clean and want to make sure it’s there for people to inspired by the energy she witnessed at the sustainable. enjoy for the long term. You want to protect grassroots level. “It’s not all doom and gloom - in fact, far it.” “If you’d asked me 30 years ago if we from it,” Liane says. “And I’m often reminded For Liane, sharing positive stories about would see 1,500 people marching in of my favourite quote, from Margaret the beauty and meaning of our natural Fredericton for clean water, I would have Mead: ‘Never doubt that a small group of spaces is an important part of how we keep never believed that would be possible,” thoughtful, committed, citizens can change them around for generations to come. And Liane says. the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that it’s a big piece of the focus she brings as ever has.’” the new president of the Conservation Council’s board of directors. ecoevents Liane was welcomed as board president during our annual meeting in late 2014. Feb. 3 – March 3 She replaced longtime president Stephanie Coburn, who stepped down after 14 years The National Energy Board (NEB) begins accepting applications to participate in the of dedicated service. Energy East oil pipeline hearing on Feb. 3. It is crucial New Brunswickers have their A retired human resources consultant, say about this project! See our article in this issue or visit our website to learn how Liane first got involved with the you can get involved before the March 3 deadline. environmental movement in New Brunswick three decades ago. Then in her late 20s Wednesday, March 11 and living along the Miramichi River, she participated in a campaign to raise TREEvia Night returns! Round up a team and enjoy some tree-themed trivia in awareness of creosote contamination by a support of CCNB. Register by calling 458-8747 or visit our website for more plant in Newcastle. details! Led by local activists and organic farmers http://www.conservationcouncil.ca/treevia-returns Ben and Vera Baldwin, the group submitted articles to newspapers, did interviews with March 28: Earth Hour local television and radio stations, and pressured government to act on the issue. Earth Hour started in 2007 as a lights-off event to raise awareness about climate From there, Liane worked with the change. It has since grown to engage more than 162 countries and territories Miramichi Environmental Society on several worldwide. Stay posted to our website to learn about participating New Brunswick campaigns: speaking out against increased cities as the big day and big hour (March 28 at 8:30 p.m.) approaches! air and water pollution resulting from a large expansion of the pulp and paper mill, Now – April 9: Recycle your old electronics! against clear-cutting and chemical-spraying forestry practices that not only destroyed In recognition of World Water Day, the UNB Art Centre in Fredericton is welcoming wildlife habitat but also significantly people to drop off their outdated or broken electronics - old batteries, cell phones, reduced employment, and preventing VCRs, microwaves, TVs, etc. – to Memorial Hall to be recycled any time before the construction of an antimony trioxide April 9. Help prevent soil and water contamination from E-waste! roasting plant that threatened the local environment and residents’ health. If you have an ecoevent to include in our calendar, email us at [email protected], or call 458-8747.2 WINTER 2015

ecobriefsResearching Smart, Sustainable Forest Policy Beth Powning, Carla Gunn and Gerard Beirne Our Forest Conservation program is We’re confident the Liberal government An Evening atlooking into how other jurisdictions will revise the forest plan once ministers Conserver Housein Canada and elsewhere manage study the ecological, social and economicforest resources to see how we stack impacts of implementing it. CCNB will be Literature lovers of all ages gathered atup in New Brunswick. We’ll release a calling on the government to develop Conserver House one stormy eveningreport comparing the modern forest a modern Crown Lands and Forest in early December for a special CCNBmanagement policies used in other Sustainability Act that protects sensitive fundraiser. ‘Stories Out Loud’ featuredparts of the world with the outcome- areas such as along riverbanks and readings and an open discussionbased approach being proposed for streams, preserves old growth stands, with three accomplished and award-our public forests through the new protects areas that are important for deer, winning New Brunswick authors, Bethforest plan. In December, the provincial lynx and other woodland creatures, and Powning, Carla Gunn and Gerard Beirne.government released details of the bans herbicide spraying in public forests, The event - thrown with support fromforestry agreements signed between like Quebec has done for more than a Picaroons Traditional Ales, Goose Laneindustry and the previous government decade. Editions, Westminster Books and Tony’slast year. Our program coordinator Tracy Want more info? Connect with: Music Box - transformed our office into aGlynn says that was a good first step in Tracy Glynn, Forest Campaign Director cozy, intimate and festive venue, drawingfulfilling the new government’s promise [email protected] or visit a standing-room-only crowd despite theto review the contracts and forestry plan. www.acadianforest.ca blustering wind and freezing rain coming down outside. Guest sipped hot cider or craft beer, nibbled on finger foods and snacks, and heard stories and shared in lively discussion with these incredibly talented writers. The evening was such a success, we’ve resolved to hold many more! Be sure to check our website for news on future book readings, poetry nights, and other literary events coming to Conserver House throughout 2015. –Jon MacNeillWorld’s top polluters announce monumental shifton climate change action The push for a low-carbon future got a major dose of political willthis November as the governments of China and the U.S. announceda joint agreement on climate change. The agreement was called historic by many and acknowledges the critical role both countries must play in combating global climate change, with the U.S. aiming for an economy-wide reduction of emissions to 26-28 per cent below its 2005 levels (by 2025), and China striving to reach peak C02 emissions by 2030, among other measures. With China and the U.S. now talking tough and acting on climate change, Canada will feel even more pressure to follow suit. www.conservationcouncil.ca 3

energy Harnessing the Power of the Sun’s Rays Heather and Blane Smith are enjoying major savings since making their Sackville home more energy efficient. Plus, theThe Smiths: Energy Profile couple is never out of something to talk about.Annual Utility Costs Sunlight beams through the south- pump - not just something other people are facing window of Blane and Heather doing, but something we could do.”Heating/Lighting/Appliances $312 Smith’s kitchen, filling the room with For the Smiths, that moment came during a light and warmth on a recent crisp fall workshop on the long-term benefits of energyEnergy Retrofit Expenses day. efficient homes, hosted by Efficiency NB. They were intrigued, contacted thePhotovoltaic System $16000 The couple has just finished laying out a government agency, and had an initial energy lunch spread to share with a house guest, audit done in March 2013.Air Exchanger/Heat Pump $12500 but all they really want to do is show their The audit assigned their home a rating visitor the latest gadget to enter their based on how energy efficient it was then,Triple Glazed Windows $7000 Sackville home - a solar power inverter and presented the homeowners with a list mounted in the basement. of upgrades and renovations to improveThermal Solar Hot Water $6500 “Blane says he’s putting in wood on a day their score, accompanied by the government like today,” says Heather, gesturing outside incentive provided for each improvementGovernment Rebate ($9000) to the clear, sunny sky. made. “Solar wood, he calls it.” The couple opted for a number of upgrades:Total investment $33,000 The Smiths recently completed a series all new windows from a company in Cape of upgrades and renovations to their Breton, new weather stripping and atticBefore the upgrades, their power bill 26-year-old home through Efficiency NB’s insulation that took them from R30 to nearlyaveraged $100/month plus 2-3 cords of Residential Energy Efficiency Program. R60, two thermal solar hot water panels, awood per winter. The work saw the installation of new, triple- heat pump and heat recovery air exchange, glazed windows, a solar hot water system, and PV panels installed by Fundy Solar.After the upgrades, their power bill and 24 photovoltaic panels on the roof, Nearly a decade ago, the Smiths had twoaverages around $26/month (basically among other improvements. solar panels installed on a cabin they ownjust service charge), plus 2-3 cords of The panels, quite fittingly, began in Nova Scotia, taking it off-grid. Blane sayswood per winter. generating power on June 21, 2013 - the first he was blown away by how affordable the day of summer. Combined with measures to technology has become since then. At thatFor their PV system, the Smiths improve the envelope of their 1,800-square- time, he paid around $300 for a 40W panel -borrowed $16,000 from the bank at 4% foot home, an increased awareness of the the same price he paid for each of the 235Winterest, resulting in a payment of $640/ energy they consume on a daily basis, panels affixed to the roof of his home now.year. The panels can generate 6,200 and the gradual purchase of more energy- “There’s a sixfold difference there, the priceKWh/year, which works out to $650 efficient appliances, the couple now enjoy has dropped that much in just seven or eightworth of power generation per year. So, a monthly power bill that hovers around years.”looking at the PV system, the money the $26 and change - basically just the service All told, the couple spent upwards ofSmiths save by making their own power charge. $42,000 on improvements, with the PV(at today’s rate) more than covers what “Right now, on a sunny day, our house is system ($16,000) and heat pump ($12,500)they must pay down on the system each more than likely running only on the solar running the highest tabs. Their home’s energyyear. And if the power rate goes up, the electricity alone,” says Blane, who doesn’t efficiency rating shot from 76 to 90 as a resultpayback period is even shorter. try to hide his excitement when talking of the work completed, and they recovered about the panels. $9,000 in government incentives, including “It’s interesting. It’s fun. And it’s so easy.” the $4,000 net-zero bonus. Founding members of the Sackville-based Blane says that may sound like a hefty Energreen Builders Cooperative, the Smiths upfront investment, “but because it’s spread were no strangers to the benefits of energy out over so many years, the monthly story is efficiency. that your energy savings more than cover the But all the same, Heather says they still additional mortgage payment.” needed some sort of epiphany, a moment to And besides, you only have to talk to the make them realize, as she puts it, “Hey, that Smiths about energy efficiency for a few could be us installing panels or a new heat4 WINTER 2015

energy NEW ENERGY EFFICIENCYThe Smiths opted for a number ofupgrades:all new triple-glazed windows 90RATINGfrom a company in Cape Breton,newweather stripping,two thermal solarhot water panels,a heat pump and heatrecovery air exchange,and and a systemof photo voltaic panels.minutes to see they’ve clearly benefited it was very important to have Efficiency NB to do anything just because you can’t dofrom the project far beyond mere dollars there. With them being so aware of all the everything.and cents. aspects, they can give you an answer that “You have to start with what you can do, “It’s always a curiosity to walk by the is right for your house.” and know that you’re doing what you can,inverter and see, ‘how many kilowatt hours While disappointed the former provincial and know that every little bit you do doesdid we make today?’” Blane says. government made moves to discontinue make a difference.” “I turn 60 this winter, so for me, it was the agency, the Smiths were pleased toimportant to do something interesting, see the new government announce it –Jon MacNeillsomething fun, and this has been it. You is reinstating the home energy retrofitcan’t produce oil yourself. But for the program under the umbrella of NB Power. DID YOUaverage person, if they have a small house “We think it’s been a steady, positiveand a little bit of sunshine, you can actually influence on the population, and it’s a KNOW?make some electricity for yourself. And positive thing for government to do foryou’re never out of something to talk about.” societies,” Heather says. Renewable energy employs way Indeed, and they’ve found others are eager “So often things don’t have such a more people than you think!to listen. positive impact on everyday people, while “We sat here in the sun one Sunday addressing something larger, too, like A new report from climate think tankafternoon and told our friends what we were global warming. So it’s on both scales: Clean Energy Canada shows thegoing to do, and they went right home and it’s good for the local economy, it’s good country’s green energy sector has growncalled Woody Thompson (of Fundy Solar) for peoples’ heat bills, and it’s the type so quickly in recent years it now employsto do it on their house, too,” says Heather, of long-term, forward-thinking program more people than the oil sands. Thechuckling. that governments are supposed to do for report came out in early December and As much as the Smiths have inspired those us. Promoting energy efficiency is one of said upwards of $25-billion has beenaround them to explore energy efficiency those things that can only be positive.” invested in Canada’s clean energy sectorand renewable power, they’re quick to offer Heather strongly encourages anyone over the past five years, roughly the samecredit to the crown agency that got the ball thinking of participating in the new as the investments in agriculture, fishingrolling for them. programming through NB Power to follow and forestry combined. And jobs aren’t “I think Efficiency New Brunswick raised through and do it. the only thing on the rise - the reportthe awareness for everybody about all kinds “It’s a worthwhile thing to do in and of showed the energy-generating capacity ofof stuff, not just the sticker on your fridge,” itself,” she says. “Don’t be discouraged by wind, solar, hydro and biomass plants hasBlane says. people saying, ‘Oh you can’t really have expanded by 93 per cent since 2009. “You need that person from whom you can an effect anyway, what difference can youget a definitive answer,” adds Heather. “You make?’ You have to start somewhere. Dohear a lot of different talk and read a lot of what little bit you can do, and over timedifferent things, and it can be confusing. So you can do more, but it’s no excuse not BUILDERS CO-OP PASSIVE SOLAR HOMESRENOVATIONS & [email protected] www.energreen.coopSACKVILLE - 506-536-1333NB PREMIERS AWARD FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY- 2014 www.conservationcouncil.ca 5

National Energy Board HearingApplications to participate become available February 3, 2015.Deadline to apply to participate: March 3, 2015For more information contact Tracy Glynn:[email protected] Godbout R. Man icougan R. aux Outardes R.The endangered Right Whale is just one species threatened byStanding up for our Whales, Water, and the Bay of FundytFhuendpyotief nthtiealEfnoerrignycrEeaasstepdiptaenlikneerptrraofjeficctaisnt-audxa-ColcolhoonislwRB.setseipamdiitlelsstR.oinhathpepeBna.y of Saul aie R. Madeleine R. York R. Casca Saint-Jean R. N Bonaventure R Saguenay R. s Méti R. pedia R. Rimouski R. ouvelle R.The Conservation CouncMiallbof energy board. New Brunswick is joining the Matapedia R. In order for the NEB to accept your chorus of groups speaking out application to participate, you must against the dangers posed by CAMPBELLTON BAY OF CHALEUR be considered someone who will be QUEBEC acques-cartier R. BATHURST ENCE RIVERthe Energy East oil pipeline and we’re Nepisiguit River ‘directly affected’ by theMAGDALENISLANDS pipeline,asking members for help iramicinSTm.LAWaR kingourMIRAMICHI hi R. or someone who has ‘relevantvoices heard. J knowledge or expertise’ related to Illustration: Stacy Howroydthe impact of the pipeline.The Alberta-based company NEW BRUNSWICK M Some examples of people whoTransCanada Corporation is seekingapproval to build upwards of will be directly affected include1,400-kilometres of pipeline in New PROPOSED PIPELINE NORTHUMBERLAND STRAIT those whose home, land, businessBrunswick as part of its proposal to MONCTON or job is near the proposed rouStYeDN,EYship 1.1 million barrels per day of crude FREDERICTON or someone who hunts, fishes, oroil from the tar sands in Alberta to Saint John enjoys other recreational activitiesfacilities in Quebec and Saint John. near the route. R.This would be the first oil pipeline Examples of those with relevantto cross our province and we’re knowledge or expertise include MAINEseriously concerned that the project SAINT JOHN medical doctors and other health SAINT ANDREWSwill threaten our water, land, and the BAY OF FUNDY professionals, economists, engineers,livelihoods of hundreds of farmers, and First Nations who have anfishers and tourism operators in New GRAND MANAN extensive understanding of theBrunswick. HALIFAX history and cultural significance of on all members who will be affected by this The proposed route for the pipeline in project to participate in the NEB hearing. We areas that could be affected by a pipeline.our province crosses hundreds of acres need you to stand up for your land, water The NEB will begin accepting applicationsof farmland, many important waterways and livelihood by answeriYnARgMOUtThH is call to to participate in the Energy East hearing on(including the Miramichi, St. John and action. SABLE ISLANDTobique rivers, Grand Lake, and the Bay of We will provide step-by-step instructionsFundy), and several watersheds critical for and are glad to offer any help you need in Feb. 3, 2015. Applications will be availableour communities. order to get involved. Contact Tracy Glynn on the NEB webpage and the application with the Conservation Council (tracy.glynn@ period lasts only four weeks. Anyone Construction of the pipeline has the conservationcouncil.ca, or 506-458-8747) interested in having their say must apply topotential to lower property values for for more information or to sign up for Energy participate before the deadline of March 3,people living along or near the route. A East oil pipeline updates and action alerts. 2015 at 3 p.m. AST.spill caused from a break in the pipe would Here’s a quick rundown of how the NEB Again, it is crucial that a significant numberbe devastating, spewing one million litres process works: of New Brunswickers become involved inof sticky oil in just 10 minutes - enough to In order to participate as either a this process. We urge all members to applyfill a hockey rink to the top of the boards. commenter (someone who can submit letters to participate in the hearing, and encourage outlining their concerns with the pipeline) anyone with questions to contact Tracy But you have a say on whether this or an intervener (someone who can speak Glynn at [email protected] goes ahead. The project must be at the pipeline hearing), the first thing you or by phone at 506-458-8747.approved by the National Energy Board need is permission to take part. It seems Together, we can protect our land and(NEB) and anyone who stands to be kind of odd – having to ask for permission livelihoods, keep our rivers and well waterimpacted can apply to participate in the to give your input - but only those who apply clean, and preserve the natural beauty ofenergy board’s review of the project. to participate can offer their feedback to the the Bay of Fundy, with its majestic whales, breathtaking coastline, and important It is very important that the National fisheries.Energy Board hear from New Brunswickersbefore making its decision. We are calling6 WINTER 2015

ecobriefs TransCanada Corp’s proposed oil pipeline has the potential to negatively impact many of our marine creatures, from playful seals to tiny, ecosystem-supporting krill. Regulatory changes strip Environment Canada oversight and exempt pesticides from Fisheries Act The Fundy Baykeeper and CCNB’s The changes will also mean Environment Matthew Abbott, www.fundybaykeeper.ca Science Advisor have been keeping Canada no longer provides oversight and oversight in the hands of a government a close eye on changes the federal and enforcement for the sector. Instead, agency. CCNB continues to work with the government is proposing for aquaculture aquaculture companies will be responsible traditional fishery, First Nations, coastal regulation in Canada. The process began for reporting any problems with pesticide residents, and other environmental groups in 2010 and the proposed changes are use. to challenge these regulatory changes and now one step away from coming into This is particularly alarming for our Fundy ensure there is significant oversight for effect. If enacted, these regulations will Baykeeper Matthew Abbott, who says pesticide and drug use on salmon farms. facilitate pesticide and drug use on salmon Environment Canada is the only agency farms despite the risk these chemicals capable of effective oversight. Abbott also pose to other marine wildlife, like lobsters cited the recent episode of illegal pesticide and the many small crustaceans that use by a major Canadian salmon farming form the base of the marine food chain. company as reason to leave enforcement Our Risk, Their Reward: Tour on Energy EastPhoto credit: Council of Canadians People in communities across Eastern CCNB worked closely with Canada and the Maritimes rallied in the Council of Canadians to put support of their water, whales, and a together the “Our Risk, Their clean climate future during the Our Reward” tour about the Energy Risk, Their Reward tour, which was East oil pipeline, which wound organized late last year by the Council of its way across parts of New Canadians with support and participation Brunswick and Nova Scotia late from groups like the Conservation in 2014. We helped line up local Council of New Brunswick. speakers for the Digby and Saint John events and lent our very own Fundy Baykeeper, Matthew Abbott, for the gatherings in Fredericton and Edmundston. Speakers on the tour also met with First Nations, affected landowners, fishers, local councils, and citizen groups. The first half of the tour featured Cherri Foytlin from Louisiana discussing the health and ecosystem impacts of dispersant use after the British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The second half featured Ben Gotschall, Energy Director for Bold Nebraska, discussing the experience of landowners on the route of the Keystone XL pipeline as well as important alliances they have formed, such as the Cowboy Indian Alliance. www.conservationcouncil.ca 7

water newsWhat a Win for Water be from this province. It’s a wonderful winPremier Brian Gallant has earned his for us all, but especially for our water.” place in history as one of the first plans for a statewide fracking ban, deeming Merrill shared similar comments with leaders in North America to stand the preservation of clean water to be more reporters immediately after the moratorium up firmly for clean air and water important than developing the state’s was announced on Dec. 18. It was the by halting the controversial practice of sizeable natural gas deposits. And only the interview she’d been waiting to give for day before that, Quebec’s environmental nearly five years, ever since the executivehydraulic fracturing across the province. protection agency released a report on director at CCNB told her back in 2010 thatExactly one week before Christmas Day, the safety and environmental impact of she may want to look into something calledGallant announced to a room of reporters shale gas development, prompting Premier hydraulic fracturing, noting it “might becomeand invited guests in Fredericton that his Philippe Couillard to declare shale gas a thing here.”government would honour its promise fracking would not happen in his province. And how.to impose a moratorium on fracking, New Brunswick is now the fourth Merrill spent the next two years learningprohibiting the unconventional method of jurisdiction in Canada to introduce a everything she could about the process offossil fuel extraction. moratorium on fracking, a significant and fracking and its health and environmentalThe announcement was the perfect cap to precedent-setting move for a province impacts, visiting Arkansas, Pennsylvania,an exciting and inspiring week for citizens facing heavy pressure from the fossil fuel and north east British Columbia towho’d spent the last several years writing lobby. see gas fields and talk to affectedletters, hosting community meetings and “It’s nothing short of inspiring to see our community members. Fuelled by supportmaking sure elected officials understood premier standing alongside other strong from Conservation Council membersthe risks posed to clean water and human leaders with the courage to protect clean and donors, she organized meetingshealth by shale gas development. water,” says Stephanie Merrill, Freshwater in communities across the province,Just one day before Premier Gallant made Protection Program coordinator for the presenting her research so that concernedhis announcement, New York Governor Conservation Council of New Brunswick. New Brunswickers could draw their ownAndrew Cuomo’s administration unveiled its “I don’t think I’ve ever been so proud to conclusions about the practice. And they did. After just one year of campaigning, upwards of 40 community groups had emerged to protect water and oppose fracking, forming in large part due to the early efforts of Merrill and her colleagues at the Conservation Council. After another year of hard, on-the-ground campaigning, a full-blown alliance was formed between the dozens of community groups across New Brunswick, a coalition that would grow into one of the largest and most diverse groups in the province’s recent history, involving public support from First Nations, doctors, scientists, landowners, labour unions, municipal politicians, farmers, fishers, members of the clergy, and more. From there, the role of the Conservation Council and Merrill’s work shifted toward offering more guidance and support, letting grassroots organizers and citizens lead the charge moving forward. Continued on page 10...SNhGOaa!lse2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015David Coon, former Upwards of 40 A report released from The shale gas debate Victory! Premier Brian Turning the pagedirector at CCNB, community groups New Brunswick’s Chief in New Brunswick Gallant announces toward a greentells Stephanie that emerge to protect Medical Officer of gains national attention moratorium on energy future in Newshe may want to look water and oppose Health questions the as opposition to the hydraulic fracturing Brunswick.into something called fracking. The New health risks of fracking. activity spreads acrosshydraulic fracturing, Brunswick Anti-Shale the province.noting it “might become Gas Alliance is formed.a thing here.”8 WINTER 2015

water news Fall colours on the Nashwaak River in New Brunswick. The province’s Department of Environment had all the required documentation to classify the Nashwaak by no later than 2003 – but classification never came. Story by Jon MacNeillNew Brunswick Rivers: Left out of the LoopDuring the height of fishing season Brunswickers a woefully false impression departmental officials alike when the last year, as anglers lured Atlantic about the safety of their rivers for more program was first unveiled. salmon on the world-famous than a decade. The Water Classification Program was Miramichi River and kids navigated In the 12 years since it was established, brought forth under Regulation 2002-13 as through thickets to seek out their favourite not a single waterway has been protected a progressive attempt to set water quality summer swimming holes, a report came out under the classification system, the standards for rivers in New Brunswick. casting a stark and sobering reality for the program instead plagued by bureaucratic The regulation allows community-based rivers so enjoyed in this province. confusion, lacklustre political will, and organizations to collect water samples, misuse of power from the elected officials analyze water quality, and set goals to On Aug. 15, the New Brunswick charged with overseeing it. maintain or improve the water quality of Ombudsman, an independent authority “Like a smoke detector without batteries,” rivers. of the provincial legislature, released wrote provincial Ombudsman Charles It was the final piece of a progressive the details of his investigation into the Murray in his report, “(the regulation) regulatory regime put in place by the Department of Environment’s handling of its appears to address and remedy a problem provincial government, complementing Water Classification Program. when in reality it does nothing of the sort.” the Wellfield Protected Areas Designation The first in Canada to take a proactive, The classification program, concluded (passed in 2000) and the Watershed watershed-based approach to river Murray, “exists primarily as a mirage, Protected Areas Designation (enacted in protection when it was introduced in misleading observers to their detriment.” 2001). 2002, the Ombudsman determined the That’s certainly a far cry from what Over time, the department received 19 classification program was, in effect, was expected by conservationists and separate proposals for classification from nothing more than an illusion, giving New groups across the province. Among them was an application from theStart 2015 off right by eating LOCAL Nashwaak Watershed Association, which had been exceptionally proactive on the file,with Real Food Connections. Feel good having secured funding from governmentwhen you choose local and organic food to conduct water quality tests before theoptions. Shop Local! regulation had even been passed. In his report, the Ombudsman noted the department had all the necessary documentation required to classify the Nashwaak by no later than 2003. What followed were years of correspondence between the department and the Nashwaak Watershed Association, during which officials described the river and other provincialwww.realfoodconnections.ca • 454-5931 • 880 Hanwell Rd, Fredericton Continued on page 10... 9 www.conservationcouncil.ca

What a Win for Water, continued.... Rivers, continued from page 9... watercourses as being “provisionally” “This moratorium would not have been by New Brunswick’s Chief Medical classified, giving the impression that fullpossible if the people in communities all Officer of Health in 2012. classification was just around the corner.over the province hadn’t taken ownership Talking to reporters after the Dec. 17of the movement the way they did,” Merrill announcement, Cuomo said, “I’ve never Frustrated by the lack of movementsays. had anyone say to me, ‘I believe fracking on the program, the Nashwaak “It took big courage and commitment is great.’” association and its supporters, includingfrom a lot of people, and the support of Howard Zucker, the governor’s acting the Conservation Council of Newthousands more.” health commissioner, offered even more Brunswick, filed a complaint to the office Jim Emberger, who became powerful comments: “Would I live in a of the Ombudsman in February 2013,spokesperson for the New Brunswick community with (fracking) based on the spearheading Mr. Murray’s investigation.Anti-Shale Gas Alliance, says the facts that I have now? Would I let my “I think New Brunswickers werelevel of grassroots involvement was child play in a school field nearby? After blindsided and appalled to learn our riversunprecedented for the province. looking at the plethora of reports behind were not being protected,” says Stephanie “You’d talk to the 90-year-old men from me ... my answer is no.” Merrill, Freshwater Protection Programthe community who said they’d never seen The moratorium here in New Brunswick Coordinator for the Conservation Council.anything like it before,” Emberger says. will be imposed through an amendment “And we should be. It’s a shame that in“We had literally hundreds of people show to the Oil and Natural Gas Act. It can’t a province like New Brunswick, whereup at our community meetings, and that be lifted until further information is so much of our culture, heritage andhas never happened recreation is based around our rivers, thatbefore or since. The gathered and our government has lagged so long to givereaction was, really, I five conditions rivers the protection New Brunswickersthink, overwhelming.” are met. Most want for them.” New York’s decision to notably, those In a recent interview with theban fracking followed conditions Conservation Council, the Ombudsmana two-year health study include the said the most troubling finding from histhat was requested by requirement investigation was simply that governmentstate environmental of a social gave citizens a false impression for soofficials and involved license and an many years that watercourses were being4,500-staff-hours of obligation to protected.research and reviews. consult First “That speaks to a really fundamental Like in New Brunswick, Nations. failure,” Mr. Murray said. “It can’t really be athe question of whether to allow the But Merrill isn’t larger failure than that.”activity was one of the most divisive sweating the prospect of the moratorium His report offered some explanations -public policy debates the state had seen being lifted. citing confusion within the Department ofin years, with proponents aggressively “With this moratorium, our government Environment over the legal authority oftouting development as the engine is signalling a shift toward smarter the regulation, and the troubling misuseneeded to revive economically-depressed environmental policy and toward the of ministerial discretion by successivecommunities. creation of sustainable, green jobs ministers to avoid approving the Given this backdrop, certain media within a clean energy future,” she says. applications - but above all else, Murrayoutlets called Governor Cuomo’s move “This gives us the time we need to says a lack of focused political will is“the ban heard around the world,” noting it move on from the fracking debate, to primarily to blame.marked the first time a state with sizeable, begin the positive discussion on how we But therein lies the hope for Newproven gas deposits chose clean water develop clean energy jobs right here in Brunswick’s waterways moving forward.and human health over industry lobbying, New Brunswick, today.” The province is under new leadershipand demonstrated the type of leadership after Liberal Premier Brian Gallant wonneeded from government in the face of Feedback or questions? Contact Stephanie office in September. During the electionclimate change. Merrill, Freshwater Protection Director at campaign, his party pledged to ensure the The State’s fracking study cited health [email protected] health of our rivers and drinking water.risks as the main justification for the ban, What better opportunity, says Murray,echoing similar concerns raised in a report than moving swiftly to approve the 19 rivers submitted under the Water Classification Program? “Why not be proactive and make yourself the champion of that change?” Murray says of the new provincial government. “To me, this is an opportunity for the Minister of Environment to demonstrate competence, good faith, and to rebuild some bridges of trust between the department and the communities.” With any luck, by the time New Brunswickers set out with their fishing rods or swimming suits to indulge in our waterways this coming summer, they’ll do so with the full confidence - and proof - that regulations are in effect to ensure rivers will remain healthy for generations to come.10 WINTER 2015

conversation We sat down with Brian Kenny recently to give our members a chance to get to know their new Minister of Environment. Brian Kenny, Minister of Environment and Local GovernmentBrian Kenny sits down with CCNB Q. Tell us something that mightQ. Growing up, what was your Q. What’s your biggest catch? surprise our members to learn aboutfavourite place to visit in the I’ve hooked a couple of salmon and you.outdoors? that got me hooked, no pun intended. Conservation is quite important and I I play music in a band and have played for My family had a small camp on the support and applaud the efforts of the 30 years now. It’s just a local cover band,Nepisiguit River and we were always respective Salmon associations and we’ve got a few originals but we’ve beenswimming in the river, always hiking. I river groups. I’ve hooked one on the playing in northern New Brunswick sincegrew up with four brothers and we spent Restigouche, on the Miramichi, I’ve never 1985. I play guitar. The name of the groupa lot of time going to the camp and that is hooked one on the Nepisiguit, but there are is Wild Pitch. I’m friends with a fellow whosomething I’ll always remember. We also some nice salmon there. has The Fishing Musicians television showlived on Middle River in Bathurst and we so we’ve played on a number of episodesused to go out and skip rocks and catch Q. What is your management style around the world. We’ve opened up forfrogs and fish and so on. We were never in all kinds of great bands: Nazareth, Aprilthe house, we were always outdoors. when it comes to working with Wine, Kim Mitchell, The Stampeders, and groups such as the Conservation probably a dozen more. We were justQ. What are your favourite activities Council of New Brunswick? playing at Dolan’s Pub the other night. We just like to have fun. I’m not the best guitarin nature? I think face-to-face meetings are very good. I met (CCNB executive player in the world I really enjoy the wilderness, just getting director) Lois (Corbett) but I know a fewout in the fresh air. I’ve climbed Mount the other day. Whether chords.Carleton and I’ve done a bit of fishing, here they’re opponents orand around the world. I’ve had the chance proponents, I take the Interviewed by Jonto meet some amazing people just going political side out of MacNeill, contactout, sitting in a canoe, looking for trout or it because I think it’s Jon at jon.macneill@salmon. That’s a hobby I’m lucky enough important to have an conservationcouncil.cato share with a couple friends, so we get open dialogue. Whetherout on the Restigouche, the Matapedia you agree or disagree,or the Miramichi River whenever we get you’ve got to be openthe chance. That’s one beauty of New to what people have toBrunswick that I think people don’t realize, say. That’s my policy: let’sjust how much beauty we have here. We listen to what people have to say and havekind of take it for granted. that dialogue. CONSERVATION COUNCIL OF NEW BRUNSWICK 11

Help make ✂ a difference. SUPPORT THEConservation Council of New BrunswickI want to become a member and supporter:$15 Low income, senior, student $30 Individual$40 Family $55 AssociationAre you a new member? Y NI would like automatic membership renewal * Y * NI want to make a single gift of:$30 $50 $100$120 Other Mailing address: Life on St. John StreetNameAddressTel. Figuratively speaking, David Coon The government of the day agreed,Email has covered a lot of ground since resulting in a climate summit hosted in New he first moved to 180 St. John Brunswick for the association’s six memberDonation method: Street in Fredericton to work for states and five provinces, and a climate the Conservation Council. In literal terms, action plan for the region that included VISA MasterCard though, he hasn’t travelled much distance targets and guidelines for achieving them.Name at all. Now as an MLA, David says he’s focusedCard # on moving New Brunswick further toward aExp. “For so many years I worked at 180 St. clean, productive and sustainable economy.Signature John, and now I’m just down the street He plans to introduce a local food security a couple blocks, to 96 St. John, at the act when the legislature reopens later thisCheque (payable to Conservation Council of NB ) Legislature,” David says. year, aimed at building the provincial food “I kind of like that. I think it’s pretty cool.” system and bolstering small- and medium-The Conservation Council of New Brunswick is a registered David settled into his new workplace last scale agriculture, manufacturing and foodcharity which carries on education and awareness projects fall after making history as the first Green processing.to solve environmental problems. Donors to the work of the Party candidate ever elected to the New He’s also planning a renewable energyConservation Council will be provided with a charitable tax Brunswick legislature. bill to push the adoption of clean power,receipt. Please send your donation to:180 Saint John St., Running on a platform that promoted the and wants to see strong energy efficiencyFredericton, New Brunswick E3B 4A9 Thank you! growth of a green economy, the former measures written into the building code, executive director of the Conservation therefore driving a green building sector in As a member, you’ll receive: Council won a competitive four-way race the province. in the Fredericton South riding, indicating Having launched the Conservation¡ A subscription to ecoalert magazine a growing desire for new voices in the Council’s Forest Conservation program, legislative assembly. David wants to see a major shift in the way¡ EcoNews, our electronic newsletter We caught up with David early in the New we use our public forest, managing the¡ Great member-only discounts Year to talk about some of the ideas he’ll be resource sustainably while creating more bringing forward as an MLA. jobs and a greater diversity of jobs from the Follow us: After all, the biologist and environmental sector. organizer has a good deal of experience Other priorities include democratic reform,12 getting things done. with David already proposing to lower As policy director for CCNB, David the legal voting age to 16, and healthcare spearheaded the effort to get safe drinking reform, shifting to a focus on preventative water legislation passed in New Brunswick, care and taking measures to improve earning a major victory when the Clean mental health services, particularly for Water Act came through in 1989. young people. Another big win came on the topic of “I think there is a real appetite for doing climate change. In the late 90s, facing a things differently,” David says. “People are backdrop of almost complete inaction on seeing the need to move forward, so for the issue across North America, David and me, that’s encouraging, it’s hopeful, and it’s his colleagues at CCNB convinced the going to happen.” provincial government to get climate action on the radar of the New England Governors Interviewed by Jon MacNeill, contact Jon at and Eastern Canadian Premiers Association. [email protected] WINTER 2015