Hi friends,
There is so much going on in the news every minute that it’s likely you haven’t even heard that the Ontario government and OPG want to build a massive nuclear reactor in Port Hope, Ontario. I am opposed to this for a number of reasons, including cost, the slow speed of construction compared to other alternatives, and a dangerous reliance on the US for uranium.
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) is taking public comment on the proposal until February 11th, through this portal or by email at wesleyville@iaac-aeic.gc.ca. I have submitted the following letter and encourage you to personalize it and send your own version as well.
Thank you for making your voice heard.
To whom it may concern,
My name is Shannon Linton and I live just outside of Port Hope and work in Port Hope. I am strongly opposed to the huge nuclear reactors being proposed at Wesleyville for a number of reasons.
Nuclear reactors are the highest cost option to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – up to 10 times higher than energy efficiency, and 2 to 8 times higher than new wind and solar energy. The world is moving rapidly toward affordable, renewable energy – why should we be locked into the most expensive option for decades to come?
According to OPG, these new nuclear reactors would not come online until 2040 – 2048. That means about 20 years of construction, cost overruns, and continued reliance on gas. By contrast, new wind and solar projects can be built in 6 months – 2 years, reducing emissions and lowering bills quickly.
OPG is considering purchasing American-designed reactors from GE-Hitachi or Westinghouse. These reactors would require Ontario to import enriched uranium from the United States to fuel them. Does that seem like a good idea right now?
OPG’s proposal fails to examine crucial alternatives. Could Ontario meet its electricity needs more cheaply, more quickly, and more safely by investing in energy efficiency, wind power, solar energy, and energy storage?
I request that the IAAC direct OPG to evaluate whether energy efficiency, renewables, and energy storage are lower-cost, faster, safer, and more secure ways to meet Ontario’s electricity needs than building a massive new nuclear station in Port Hope.
Upcoming Shows
Hibernate: Under Covers
Friday, February 13 at 7pm
Port Hope United Church
Under Covers is a special one-night concert that kicks off Hibernate Festival. A simple idea with a big heart. Friends of Cultivate take the stage to perform one Canadian classic each, reimagined in their own voice, in a room built for listening. Plainville United is one of the bands playing this evening, and the house band is FIRE. Grab your tickets.
March 15 - Sunday Song Circle
Old Camborne Schoolhouse
1-3pm
My friend Maureen just asked me to fill in as the host for this lovely song circle. I’ll share more info closer to the date, but why not come make some music with me on a cozy Sunday afternoon?
SAVE THE DATE - May 9
I’ve hinted at, or maybe even talked outright about (?) several new projects on the horizon. On May 9th two of them will take the stage at the Old Camborne Schoolhouse. I’ll share all the details very soon, but for now put this date in your calendar!
Featured Song - Don’t Let Them Tell You
I’ll be honest, I want to record an angrier version of this song. But I look back at four-years-ago me, just learning how to play guitar and writing one of my first protest songs, and I’ve decided that sometimes what already exists has to be good enough.
These days, though, I am singing “I believe you know a better way, if you trust yourself more than what those politicians say” (instead of “those other people”). Small lyric change, large step toward more honest, more pointed language.
In solidarity with the people of Minnesota, the people of Gaza, with people everywhere who are scared as hell but still standing up for what’s right.
xo
Shannon