The Canadian Hydropower Association (CHA) has asked the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency to revise the Environmental Assessment Act in Canada.

In its submissions, the Association reiterated its support of a rigorous environmental Act, while expressing some reservations concerning the present Act and its application.

CHA said that the present environmental assessment process does not recognise

the benefits of hydro power, specifically hydro power’s contributions to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The Association said the process unjustly penalises the production of hydro power, while it favours thermal energy which causes air pollution, and nuclear energy, which produces radioactive waste. CHA also said that the environmental review process must be improved to avoid administrative delays and duplication,

as well as unnecessary costs on the part of governments and hydro power producers.