Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Nuclear Power Moratorium motion on hold
Hamilton councillors parked a moratorium on nuclear plants yesterday after hearing an earful about the controversial power option.
For nearly four-and-a-half hours, nuclear supporters and opponents waged an ideological debate in council chambers.
In the end — after tales of Chernobyl, scientific advances and environmental consequences — councillors backed off taking a firm stand on nuclear power.
“This is a highly complex issue,” Mayor Fred Eisenberger said after more than 20 delegations presented their cases. “To me, at this point in time, (a moratorium) is premature. We don’t have enough information.”
Councillor Brad Clark introduced the motion opposing nuclear plants in Hamilton’s boundaries or upwind after reading it was a possibility at the Nanticoke generating station on Lake Erie. The Liberal government has promised to close down the coal-generating plant at the site at some point, which the Ontario Power Authority recommended for a new nuclear operation. Its conversion to a gas-fired plant has also been discussed.
The Stoney Creek councillor’s initiative drew strong support from environmentalists, but also stiff opposition. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)