Where is MLA support.

I am writing to formally oppose the proposed natural gas and diesel power plant development in Salt Springs, Nova Scotia.

My family has deep roots and land in this area, and we are extremely concerned about the environmental, health, and long-term community impacts of this project. The introduction of a natural gas and diesel facility in a rural residential region raises serious questions about air quality, water safety, noise pollution, and ecosystem disruption.

Local residents have taken it upon themselves to complete extensive independent research on this project. Community members have already submitted numerous evidence-based concerns outlining why this development is neither financially beneficial to the region nor environmentally responsible. These concerns include long-term economic risk and environmental degradation.

Despite this significant community effort, it has been deeply concerning to witness the lack of informed engagement from local MLAs, whose responsibility is to represent and protect the areas they serve. Public statements and discussions to date suggest limited knowledge of the project’s potential risks, including an inability to answer direct questions regarding environmental impacts to the surrounding area.

Furthermore, a scheduled meeting intended to discuss this project with residents was cancelled at the last minute, removing a critical opportunity for transparent dialogue. There has been no meaningful effort to reschedule or facilitate open, informed discussion with the dozens of homeowners and families who have expressed serious concern about this development.

The local MLAs are prioritizing alignment with the political party they represent over the responsibility they hold to the constituents living in the affected area. By failing to take community concerns seriously or demonstrate genuine scrutiny of this project, they are not fulfilling their duty as public servants to advocate for the safety, wellbeing, and interests of the people they were elected to serve.

To date, there also appears to be a lack of transparent, independent environmental assessment data available to local residents. Information that has been shared publicly seems to rely heavily on proponent-supplied material rather than third-party scientific review. This does not provide communities with the balanced, evidence-based analysis required to make informed decisions about projects of this scale and risk.

Salt Springs is a quiet, environmentally sensitive area where families rely on well water, clean air, and the natural landscape for their health and livelihoods. Industrial energy infrastructure of this nature is incompatible with the character and safety of our community.

I respectfully urge federal regulators to deny approval of this project unless and until comprehensive, independent environmental assessments, meaningful community consultation, and full risk disclosures are completed and publicly reviewed.

Protecting rural communities, water sources, and environmental health must take priority over private industrial expansion.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit comments; however, the current process does not reflect meaningful or accessible community engagement. Several vulnerable groups within the affected area have been disadvantaged by the limited methods of communication and participation. Public notice and project information were distributed exclusively through online platforms, with no direct mail or offline outreach. This approach excludes residents who do not have reliable internet access, limiting their ability to review project details or voice their concerns. As a result, individuals within our community are being unfairly marginalized and denied equitable participation in a decision that directly impacts their environment, health, and property.
 

Janna McCullough