A coalition of environmental advocates has been unsuccessful in their legal opposition to the Saskatchewan government’s choice to elongate the operational life of three coal-based power facilities until 2050. The Saskatchewan Environmental Society, Citizens for Public Justice, and three residents sought a judicial review of the province’s move to renovate and prolong the life of the coal-powered plants for two decades beyond the federal deadline for coal-generated electricity.
The environmental organizations contended that the province’s determination “weakens federal regulations and global commitments.” In 2016, the federal government set a target to phase out coal-generated electricity by 2030 to decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions and assist in fulfilling climate objectives under the Paris Agreement.
Contrary to the federal direction to eliminate coal-based power by 2030, Jeremy Harrison, the SaskPower minister, informed staff that the utility company needed to extend the operation of Saskatchewan’s coal-based power facilities as it transitioned to nuclear power. The province intends to maintain the Shand and Boundary Dam stations near Estevan, along with the Poplar River plant near Coronach, operational beyond the federal closure deadline, affirming its dedication to achieving a net-zero grid by 2050.
Bob Halliday, vice president of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, expressed confusion over the province’s shift away from promoting renewable energy and interconnections with other regions to meet environmental targets, opting instead to persist with coal-based power. Halliday highlighted the significant transition required to refurbish coal plants and construct nuclear facilities by the 2030s.
The Court of King’s Bench decision on Jan. 12, dismissing the legal challenge, disappointed Halliday’s group. The court ruled that it was not within its purview to scrutinize government decisions. Kiké Dueck, a 12-year-old environmentalist from Regina involved in the legal challenge, expressed disappointment at the outcome, emphasizing the global shift away from fossil fuels and criticizing Saskatchewan’s reliance on coal as outdated and unsustainable.
The province welcomed the court’s ruling, emphasizing that the decision to prolong coal-fired energy production is in line with government policy and essential for ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy for residents. Dueck and Halliday are deliberating on whether to appeal the court’s decision.