The federal Conservative Party’s agriculture critic backs the Alberta government’s decision to pause approvals for new renewables projects, saying that without a “comprehensive framework” in place, large-scale wind and solar projects would threaten southern Alberta’s agriculture industry.
“It is critical that farmers, ranchers and agri-businesses have access to undisturbed, fertile farmland for their crops and livestock,” he said.Thanks for signing up!The next issue of Calgary Sun Headline News will soon be in your inbox.“As such, it is essential to consider the potential impacts that these renewable projects will have on agricultural lands,” said Barlow.
In an interview with Postmedia, Neudorf said better understanding the effects of renewables and their growth on available, quality agriculture land was a “key” part of the moratorium, but time was needed to look at the issue to reach “a collaborative understanding of this precious resource” and to use agricultural land as well as the province can.Municipalities are key stakeholders in land and property development, and having some legal standing before the AUC should be considered, Neudorf said.