About the OCAA: Working Together for a Cleaner and Healthier Environment Phasing out coal is the fastest, most effective way for Ontario to reduce its contribution to global warming. Replacing Ontario's four remaining coal-fired power plants with cleaner energy sources would provide Ontario with 50-80% of the greenhouse gas reductions required to meet the province's Kyoto Protocol commitments. There is no other single step the province can take that can come anywhere close to matching the climate benefits of shutting down coal. A coal phase out would have a number of other benefits, including reducing air pollution and toxics in our environment. Coal plants emit a deadly stew of air pollutants, including smog-causing nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide (also a source of acid rain), toxics such as mercury and lead that are associated with developmental disorders and brain damage, and deadly particulate matter. The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) has warned that "air pollution is a public health crisis" in Ontario. In fact, air pollution from all sources kills more than 5,900 people each year in this province, according to the OMA. An April 2005 Ontario Government report further reports that air pollution from Ontario's coal plants alone is responsible for 668 deaths in Ontario annually. Thousands more suffer from respiratory ailments, such as asthma and bronchitis, which are associated with pollutants in the air. Recognizing the need for reducing air pollution, including greenhouse gases, from the electricity sector, The Ontario Clean Air Alliance (OCAA) was formed in August, 1997. The OCAA is a diverse, multi-stakeholder coalition of approximately 90 organizations. Our members include cities, health associations, environmental and public interest groups, public utilities, unions, faith communities and individuals. The OCAA's short-term goal is to achieve the complete phase-out of Ontario's four coal-fired power plants by 2010. Our long-term goal is to ensure that all of our electricity needs are met by ecologically sustainable renewable sources. Our three-pronged strategy to achieve our goals consists of:
This website will provide you with information about our members, our resources and our strategies to phase-out Ontario's dirty coal-fired power plants. You will also find our pamphlets and media clippings about air pollution issues and details about how you can get involved in this critically important campaign. Support the important work of the OCAA. Click here for staff and contact information Thanks to all of our financial supporters for helping the OCAA to have a big impact. |