Amendments to Environmental Assessment Regulations Proposed

ENVIRONMENT AND LABOUR--Amendments to Environmental Assessment Regulations Proposed

Changes are being proposed for Environmental Assessment Regulations.

"The proposed changes will make it easier for us to protect the environment," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash. "And they will allow potential developers to meet their environmental responsibilities with less red tape."

Environmental assessment is a process that evaluates the potential environmental effects of major developments before they can proceed. Applicants are required to explain how they will minimize the environmental effects of their proposed development.

The proposed regulatory changes are intended to add efficiency to the assessment process, introduce innovation and implement some aspects of Nova Scotia's Energy Strategy.

"I'm particularly enthused about how these proposals will improve public consultation," Mr. Morash said. "Stakeholders have told us loud and clear that the regulations needed work in this area."

The proposed amendments were released today, Dec. 2, for public comment. "We need to be sure that stakeholders understand what we're proposing," the minister said. "And it's important for us to hear from the public when we propose changes to regulations."

The public comment period ends on Jan. 19, 2004. The draft regulations and an explanatory brochure are available at any Environment and Labour office. They can also be obtained through the department's website at http://www.gov.ns.ca/enla/ess/ea/ .