Health studies needed before new wind turbines: MPP Arnott

NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington – Halton Hills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2010

Health studies needed before new wind turbines: MPP Arnott
(Queen’s Park) – Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott wants to see controversial wind farm
projects placed on hold, pending completion of a study documenting their health effects.

“Before building massive new wind farms, we need to know they’re safe,” he said. “That’s the valid
point my constituents are making.”

In resolution he introduced March 25 in the Ontario Legislature, Mr. Arnott is calling for completion of
a comprehensive and credible study, which would document the full health effects of wind turbines,
before any new wind farm proposals could proceed.

“This is an important step, because it elevates the issue and it shows that we’re serious,” explained
Mr. Arnott. “It puts the issue squarely on the legislative agenda, so that the McGuinty government
can’t just ignore it.”

Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch introduced a similar motion last fall, but every Liberal
present at the time voted to defeat it. Still, given increasing interest and concern over the issue, Mr.
Arnott believes the Legislature needs to look at this again.

His initiative is largely based on a resolution adopted by municipalities across Ontario. The County
of Wellington and the Township of Centre Wellington, among others, have passed the resolution
originating in December with the Township of Mapleton.

“Our local councils deserve credit for taking a strong stand,” said Mr. Arnott.

Wind farm proposals now under consideration are linked directly to the McGuinty government’s
Green Energy Act. Last year, Mr. Arnott spoke and voted against the legislation, which has
restricted opportunities for public input.

More recently, on February 24, Mr. Arnott spoke in the Legislature on the proposed Belwood Wind
Farm, passing along some of the concerns he has heard from area residents.

Mr. Arnott’s resolution reads as follows:

That, in the opinion of this House, the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of the
Environment, should issue a moratorium on the approval of wind energy projects until a
comprehensive and credible epidemiological health study has been completed by a qualified and
independent third party, and released to the people of Ontario.

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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org