Environmental groups launch legal campaign to stop Sask. coal plant extension

A group of citizens and climate advocacy groups have filed a court case to stop the Saskatchewan government from maintaining the province's three coal-fired power plants past 2030. 

Citizens for Public Justice, the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, and three people from Saskatchewan and Manitoba are behind the lawsuit. Represented by Saskatchewan-based environmental lawyer Glenn Wright, they have filed an application for judicial review against the government. 

"Coal is the dirtiest source of energy that we have. We argue that it has no place in any electricity grid in Canada," said Maryo Wahba, a Climate Justice Policy Analyst at Citizens for Public Justice.

"Phasing out coal isn't just policy, it's also a moral imperative."

On June 18, Crown Investments Corporation Minister Jeremy Jarrison sent a letter to SaskPower employees informing them of the province's decision to extend the life of the coal plants. They were previously scheduled to be closed by 2030 to help meet Canada's climate goals.

The federal government wants to reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions to 40 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero emissions by 2050.

Saskatchewan currently has three coal-fired power plants: the Shand and Boundary Dam power stations near Estevan, and the Poplar River power station outside of Coronach. 

The groups hope for an interim stay to be placed on the province's extension plan until a judicial review. 

"The Government has not outlined any future process to determine whether such an extension is in the public interest, such as an environmental assessment. They simply made the decision. It is final, and therefore, ripe for judicial review." the plaintiff's court application said.

The groups argue that the extension decision was made without sufficient public consultation, breaks federal clean energy regulations, contravenes the safety of future Canadian children under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and damages Canada's reputation as a climate-conscious country.  

"There are other options for the province," said Robert Halliday, the vice-president of the Saskatchewan Environmental Society. "Thus far SaskPower has not been really on board with taking those opportunities."

"Renewable power is the way forward for Saskatchewan."

According to the Canadian Energy Regulator, 41 per cent of Saskatchewan's energy generation is produced by coal. Natural gas makes up 44 per cent, while hydro, wind and solar power comprise 15 per cent. There are currently no nuclear power plants providing energy or being built. 

In his letter to SaskPower in June, Jeremy Harrison said the Saskatchewan government is still committed to the goal of net zero energy generation by 2050. Nevertheless, he said, coal power must be used as future nuclear plants are brought online. 

The Saskatchewan Government said that as the case is before the courts, it will not be commenting on it. 

The first hearing for the case will be on Aug. 12.