Thank you to Hélène Baril of La Presse for asking the right question in her article Monday: How do we reduce our need for coal in North America and the World?
The answer was given by Pierre Gautier of Alstom right here in Montreal only a few days ago. He said Quebec cannot ignore this continental and world problem. Quebec has to join the gas age.
By using natural gas instead of coal or oil, huge reductions in emissions of NOX and SOX (the cause of acid rain and smog) can be achieved as well as meaningful reductions in carbon dioxide at a price that competes strongly with coal. Alternatives to natural gas, including coal itself, are forced to use political protests as their only way to compete.
Another important question is if Quebec should continue importing 46 percent of its energy needs?