
We need a law to make the polluter pay
Nova Scotia faces a pressing environmental and economic policy issue exacerbated by the Premier’s aggressive ‘Drill Baby Drill’ stance on resource extraction. Nova Scotians didn’t vote for this, and the potential consequences of this approach are significant. It’s best to leave well enough alone, but we’re afraid that is not likely. So let’s put our money where our mouth is, and if it can be done safely, the premier should not have any issues implementing a ‘make the polluter pay’ law to protect taxpayers and our environment. While this solution may not be flawless, it is a crucial step forward in the face of the majority government’s looming ‘Drill Baby Drill’ sound bites.
A “polluter pays” law is simple: those who profit from resource extraction should bear the financial responsibility for their environmental impacts. They extract resources, they pocket millions in profits, and often leave taxpayers to pay for cleanups of the mess they leave behind. This is not just unfair; it is an unsustainable model that burdens the citizens who should be reaping the benefits of their natural resources according to the Premier’s position. If the Premier and those looking to profit believe drilling or resource extraction can be done safely, a law mandating corporations and big businesses accountable for cleanups is a logical first step. It would ensure the companies responsible address any environmental damage or contamination from drilling or resource extraction long after they pull up stakes. Taxpayers and citizens close by must never be left to deal with the fallout. If all the guarantees they preach about doing it safely are valid, what could the problem be with such a law?
Here is a good start: our government must reevaluate the terms of water extraction agreements. We believe there shouldn’t be any, but we know that it is not likely to stop. Large-scale groundwater withdrawal depletes aquifers faster than they can be replenished, leading to long-term water shortages. Over-extraction of groundwater levels disrupt ecosystems.
Sadly, large bottled water companies pay a pittance to extract a crucial resource our fresh groundwater. Nova Scotia needs to stand up for its citizens and environment.
We need a polluter pay law and ensure elected leaders ensure we get a fair pricing system for water or any mineral or other resource extraction. We can establish a framework that holds corporations accountable, protects taxpayers, and ensures our natural resources are treated with the respect they deserve. We know that mining operations often involve significant land disturbance, which can lead to habitat loss for various species. The chemicals used in mining processes can contaminate water sources, affecting wildlife and human populations and increasing soil erosion, which can degrade water quality in rivers and streams. We need a law to make the polluter pay, full stop.