NEIA ready to partner in review of EA processes; presents provincial government with detailed recommendations

For Immediate Release
October 24, 2018

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) is pleased to be partnering with the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment in a review of the province’s environmental assessment processes.

“The environmental assessment framework represents and important intersection between government and industry,” says Kieran Hanley, NEIA’s Executive Director. “There are opportunities to refine the legislation and regulations to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the process – while maintaining or improving environmental outcomes.”

On March 27, 2017 the provincial government committed in its Way Forward strategy to reviewing its environmental assessment and permitting processes. “It is critical in the reform of these processes to consider the perspective of industry – and we commend the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment for recognizing this and including NEIA as an advisor to that consultation,” says Hanley.

“Industry is ready to engage,” says Hanley. Through 2017/18 NEIA consulted with its members and industry partners on priorities in the reform of EA and permitting processes. “We are excited to have the opportunity today to present our government partners with a comprehensive series of recommendations for its consideration,” announced Hanley. The document, which focuses on creating greater certainty in processes through increased clarity and consistency, is a “starting point for discussions” says Hanley.

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“We look forward to working with officials within Municipal Affairs and Environment and our industry partners over the months ahead to zero in on modernized environmental assessment legislation and regulations that ensure the proper balance between economic growth and environmental protection.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

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Media Contact:
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org