Judge reserves decision in challenge of SaskPower natural gas expansion [Video]

A group of climate activists is challenging SaskPower’s move towards natural gas, arguing it violates their Charter rights.

The applicants in the case include an organization called Climate Justice Saskatoon and seven individuals.

The activists, represented by lawyer Glenn Wright, argue that SaskPower’s reliance on natural gas as a “temporary bridge” to net-zero emissions is insufficient and fails to consider a wider range of renewable energy options.

“We’re looking for a ruling from the court to say to SaskPower, ‘You’ve got to do something different,” Wright said.

“We’re not trying to get the court to legislate from the bench as to what power choices we make,” Wright added. “We’re blessed with ample renewable resources.”

SaskPower currently has two major natural gas projects in the pipeline: the Aspen Power Station near Lanigan, which broke ground earlier this year, and the Great Plains Power Station near Moose Jaw.

According to the Canada Energy Regulator– natural gas is nearly half as greenhouse gas intensive as coal power, which …