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 The electricity sector across North America is currently experiencing a wave of unprecedented and rapid change. The opening of electricity markets to competition is underway or being considered in Canada, Mexico and the United States, and cross-border trade in electricity is growing, bolstered in part by the long-term stability conferred by NAFTA’s trade and investment rules. As these changes take place, many important questions are being asked about the emerging North American electricity market. One question—the focus of this Article 13 Report—encapsulates a key public policy challenge facing today’s decision-makers. How can we ensure that North Americans have an affordable and abundant supply of electricity without compromising environmental and health objectives? Clearly electricity is vital for the North American economy and is a prerequisite for economic stability and long-term prosperity. Just as clearly, however, some forms of production, transmission and use of electricity may have significant negative impacts on human health and the ecological systems that sustain life, both of which are valued highly by North Americans. As outlined by the CEC Electricity and Environment Advisory Board in this report, we believe that it is possible to realize the economic opportunities offered by the evolving North American electricity market and at the same time protect human health and the environment. The key to meeting both these goals is increased cooperation and collaboration among the NAFTA partners. Cooperation needs to encompass not only environmental protection policies, but also the collection of emission information, improved impact assessment, the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency, increased technology transfer, and other matters. By working together to a common end, Canada, Mexico and the United States can ensure that the transformation of the North American electricity market contributes to sustainable development by generating economic, social and environmental benefits. |
