The Similkameen News Leader
Editorial
THANK YOU, COMPLIANCE ENERGY
EDITORIAL - February 20, 2007
With last week's Throne Speech pretty much bringing on the death to coal-fired power generation in British Columbia we took a moment to ponder what we have learned through this process.
It occurred to us that had it not been for Compliance Energy trying the sneak a power generation plant into the Similkameen Valley we may never have discovered the many assets we already have in our area.
We were always aware of the clean water and clean air, but maybe took it for granted until it appeared that we could lose some of those things.
We never realized how many people downstream from us actually could be affected by decisions made at our end of the Valley.
It also made us realize that people living downstream also care about the same things we do.
We also discovered that small towns have loud voices and can make a difference. Sure, the Throne Speech part that said "Effective immediately, BC will become the first jurisdiction in North America - if not the world - to require 100 per cent carbon sequestration for any coal-fired electricity project" was not entirely in response to the noise that came from the Similkameen, but don't kid yourselves, the noise coming from the Similkameen was heard.
In addition, we also learned that on certain issues the people of this Valley can toss aside political, cultural and other differences to band together to make something happen.
We somehow doubt any of this would have happened if Compliance Energy had not tossed a dart into a map of BC and it landed near Princeton.
We strongly suspect Compliance will not want to spend the money required to meet the new standards set by last week's Throne Speech which basically means they will soon be nothing more than a memory.
Sure, they may try to twist their plan into a wood-waste burning power generation plant or some other variation that may or may not make sense until they decide to just move on.
For many the 'green' Throne Speech is a reason to celebrate.
It also means there will probably be no shortage of people offering to help Compliance pack their bags and close their downtown storefront office.
So thank you, Compliance Energy.
You've done so much more for our Valley than you will ever know.
You made us realize how special our Valley really is to all of us.
And the next time you're passing through town...be sure to do just that!
