Statement: Amendments to Nova Scotia Legislation Support Timely Development of Marine Renewable Energy to Meet Net Zero Goals

Marine Renewables Canada supports proposed amendments to advance offshore wind and tidal energy Halifax, NS – Marine Renewables Canada is encouraged by the strong leadership of the Nova Scotia government in the tabling of Bill 471 – Advancing Nova Scotia Opportunities Act, an important piece of legislation that will help ensure offshore wind and tidal energy developments can contribute to achieving the province’s clean electricity and net zero goals. The Bill proposes amendments to the Marine Renewable-energy Act and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation (Nova Scotia) Act (“Accord Act”) to help Nova Scotia stay on track to advance its goal of 5 GW of offshore wind leases by 2030 by:

Creating the ability to delegate Ministerial power or duty under the Act to other entities;
Allowing planning tools in addition to strategic environmental assessments, such as regional assessments, to be used to help identify areas for offshore wind development; and
Adding additional authority to develop regulations under the Act.

Amendments to Nova Scotia’s Accord Act provide mirror legislation to the federally tabled amendments in Bill C-49 which expands the mandate of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) and establishes a joint management regime to regulate offshore renewable energy, like offshore wind. “This legislation is an important signal to industry that Nova Scotia is dedicated to meeting its timelines for offshore wind development by advancing commitments to amend the Accord Act and offering an alternate path for development of wind in offshore areas if federal legislation is delayed,” stated Elisa Obermann, Executive Director of Marine Renewables Canada. “It also allows for ongoing coordination between federal and provincial governments to foster responsible development of the resource and careful consideration of ocean-user coexistence.” Amendments to the Marine Renewable-energy Act also create more flexibility for tidal energy development by creating the ability to split an existing license into two or more licenses. This ability provides greater alignment with other federal and provincial regulatory requirements and creates more options for industry to plan and deliver projects, while maintaining existing requirements for environmental protection. “The proposed amendments provide greater support and certainty for the marine renewable energy industry, increasing the ability for projects to move ahead in a timely and responsible manner,” continued Obermann. “Growth of the marine renewable energy sector in Nova Scotia will help the province and country meet net zero and clean emissions goals, spurring environmental and local economic benefits.” Marine Renewables Canada welcomes the tabled amendments and will continue its work and engagement with government, communities, Indigenous peoples, and other ocean users to foster responsible and sustainable development of marine renewables in Nova Scotia.

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