TORONTO - The provincial government says Ontario's coal plants must slash emissions over the next three years in order to meet a total shutdown goal in 2014.
The new interim target, set for 2011, means coal plants must reduce emissions by two-thirds below 2003 levels.
Jack Gibbons, chairman of the Ontario Clear Air Alliance, says the announcement is good news because it legally binds plants to limit their output.
Ontario Power Generation must reduce emissions to 11.5 megatonnes by 2011. In 2003, emissions totalled 34.5 megatonnes.
The OPG must also present the government with annual progress reports.
While campaigning for the 2003 election, Dalton McGuinty told voters Ontario's coal-fired plants would be shut by 2007.
However, shortly after coming into office, that deadline was pushed back to 2007.
Last summer, the Liberals again extended the deadline to 2014.
"There have been delays, which are troubling, but this is a huge step forward,'' said Gibbons, referring to the new targets.
