Environment and Conservation
Executive Council
Education
Advanced Education and Skills
Fisheries and Aquaculture
Natural Resources
Transportation and Works
March 27, 2014
Backgrounder
Taking Action on Energy Conservation and Environmental
Management
The Provincial Government is allocating $9.3 million in energy
conservation and environmental protection.
Budget 2014 is focused on six priority areas:
- $350,000 for a
two-year pilot project to provide real-time energy display monitors to
some households to support energy conservation;
- $400,000 annually
for three years for Flood Risk Mapping Studies to address climate change
adaptation issues and public safety concerns by providing up-to-date
maps of areas prone to flooding, facilitating better planning and
reducing damage;
- $100,000 annually
for three years to continue the Coastal Erosion Vulnerability Project to
help communities make informed land-use decisions, guide development and
identify areas for protection;
- $350,000 worth of
energy efficient retrofits in select government buildings to lower
operating costs and improve efficiencies in existing buildings
consistent with the commitments made by the Provincial Government in the
2011 Energy Efficiency Action Plan;
- $200,000 over two
years for an education pilot project to raise awareness on energy
conservation in schools, including the development of promotional
material to support energy conservation behaviors; and,
- $90,000 for the
continuation of Hurricane Flood Relief alerts in 45 communities across
the province. These alerts warn local residents and travellers when
flood risks are high providing them more time for reaction to such
adverse events.
Protecting our Shores
Budget 2014 provides more than $300,000 annually for the Provincial
Government’s Coastal and Oceans Management Strategy and Policy
Framework. This strategy guides the Provincial Government’s efforts to plan,
manage, conserve and promote the sustainable use of the province’s coastal
and ocean areas and resources. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
became the first jurisdiction in Canada to release such a strategy and has
provided $900,000 since its inception in 2011.
Preservation of the Environment
The Provincial Government is highlighting the importance of
preserving the province’s natural resources by investing in the following
four environmental priorities:
- $3 million for the
first year of the second phase of site remediation at the former US
military site in Hopedale for a total investment of $6 million over
three years;
- $975,000 over
three years to fund a scientific monitoring and research program for the
George River Caribou Herd under the Labrador Caribou Initiative to
gather data on the rapidly declining herd and develop a strategic
co-management plan with the Quebec Government;
- $100,000 for the
development of 25 additional cottage lots located on Crown land in the
Salmonier Line area to be used for recreational purposes; and,
- $209,000 for the
Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve in preparation for the UNESCO World
Heritage Site bid nomination package.
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Media contacts:
Deborah Thomas
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation;
Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
709-729-2575, 728-8092
deborahthomas@gov.nl.ca
|
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
Heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
|
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 699-0470
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca
|
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
2014 03 27 3:05 p.m.