The good news is that the federal government and the Saskatchewan government have agreed on a method to streamline the environmental assessment process for uranium mines.
In the world of environmental bureaucracy, this is a giant step forward. Previously, mine development projects had to go through two separate assessment processes, one for Regina and one for Ottawa. That caused totally unnecessary duplication and increased costs.
The bad news is that the panel appointed to conduct the review will have 18 months to make its recommendations. At that point, the panel will report to the environment ministers at each level of government.
In other words, after the 18-plus months of hearings and deliberations, the decision will still be in the hands of politicians. The assessment process may have been improved, but will the decision-making process be able to adapt?
Be the first to comment on "EDITORIAL PAGE Good news, bad news"