Keystone Agricultural Producers welcomes the announcement from Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh that the ban on burning coal in Manitoba will not be enforced until 2017.
“This is good news for farmers and rural residents,” said KAP president Doug Chorney. “Naturally, everyone wants to do their part in terms of environmental sustainability, but for many who don’t have access to natural gas, there is no reasonable alternative for heating just yet.”
Originally announced in the Government’s 2011 budget speech, the ban on coal for space and water heating was scheduled to come into effect on January 1, 2014. KAP members expressed concern about the limited time available for existing coal users to convert boilers and furnaces, and the lack of a reliable supply of alternative fuel sources in all areas of the province.
“When the ban was first announced, the time frame was too short for the development of a viable biomass sector that would be large enough to meet demands from current coal users,” Chorney said.
KAP and other stakeholders are committed to working together through the new Biomass Economy Network to grow the industry and make Manitoba a leader in the production, use, and export of biomass for fuel and bio-products processing.
“Hopefully, the new Biomass Energy Support Program announced today by Minister Mackintosh will spark activity and the three-year time frame will allow a biomass industry to take hold. KAP is very much looking forward to being involved with other stakeholders to drive the industry forward.”
Current coal users looking for more information on converting to biomass and more details on the Manitoba Biomass Energy Support Program can visit the website.
