The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today provided the following statement regarding the Federal Government’s proposed amendments to the Atlantic Accord legislation:

“Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased that the proposed legislative amendments to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act will ensure joint management of our valuable offshore wind resources and recognizes exclusive jurisdiction of waters, lying between the jaws of the land and certain coastal waters.

The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada are committed to supporting offshore renewable energy projects that have the potential to contribute towards the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Electrification and increasing opportunities to support decarbonization of the economy are essential to achieving these shared goals.

Our province is rich in renewable energy resources which well-position us to meet our net-zero targets, fight climate change, and to grow clean energy jobs and economic development. Our government will continue to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are the primary beneficiaries of our valuable resources.

The proposed legislative amendments to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act are significant for us as we work to develop our renewable energy offshore. They will:

• Ensure the necessary measures are in place to support offshore renewable energy opportunities;
• Allow for a fiscal regime that provides the maximum economic returns to Newfoundland and Labrador;
• Rename the C-NLOPB as the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Board and expand its mandate to become the lead regulatory body for offshore energy in the offshore area. This furthers joint-management of the offshore area and builds upon extensive expertise the C-NLOPB has in managing offshore projects; and
• Define the offshore area for offshore renewable energy that excludes areas within provincial jurisdiction, to ensure that the Provincial Government can move forward to regulate developments within provincial jurisdictional waters.

Thank you to Minister Wilkinson for his work on this important file and for being a champion for the development of renewable energy in this province and across the country. We look forward to continued collaboration.”

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