Our PC government is taking significant steps toward accelerating Nova Scotia’s transition to clean energy, combating climate change, and growing a sustainable economy by modernizing the environmental assessment process.
Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced these changes to create a more streamlined and understandable path for clean energy projects, making it easier for businesses and the public to navigate and participate in the environmental assessment process.
“A modernized environmental assessment process supports the responsible use and development of our natural resources and will help transform Nova Scotia into a clean energy leader, while maintaining our high environmental standards,” said Minister Halman. “These changes will help ensure sustainable energy and economic security for Nova Scotians.”
Key changes to the process include:
- Creating a clear path for clean energy projects by moving them to the Class I process;
- Streamlining the process for biomass projects, thereby creating new opportunities for the province’s forestry sector;
- Making the environmental assessment process easier to understand for both companies and the public;
- New plain-language guidance for companies on Nova Scotia’s process and how to follow it;
- Companies must provide a plain language summary of their project benefits, impacts and how impacts will be managed, to be posted on the government’s webpage; this will make it easier for Nova Scotians to understand projects and participate in consultations;
- Adding 10 days to the Class I consultation period for the public and Mi’kmaq;
- A new website with easy-to-understand information and tools to help Nova Scotians better understand the process and how to participate in it;
- Climate change is now listed in the Minister’s decision factors – this includes both the positive and negative impacts of a project on climate change;
- Clarifying the Minister’s ability to engage advisors, such as scientists, engineers and other experts as needed, to help thoroughly evaluate the project and inform the Minister’s decision.
By modernizing environmental assessments, our government is building a stronger, cleaner economy—ensuring both environmental protection and sustainable growth for future generations.