HALIFAX: The province is taking a major step forward in its fight against climate change with a series of updates to Nova Scotia’s environmental assessment process, aimed at fast-tracking clean energy projects and making it easier for the public and Indigenous communities to participate.
Minister of Environment and Climate Change Timothy Halman unveiled the changes on May 8, saying they will help Nova Scotia shift to a clean economy while maintaining strong environmental standards.
“A modernized Environmental Assessment process supports the responsible use and development of our natural resources and will help transform Nova Scotia into a clean energy leader,” Halman said. “These changes will help ensure sustainable energy and economic security for Nova Scotians.”
One of the major updates includes moving clean energy developments – such as wind and solar – to the Class I assessment process. This change creates a more efficient review path for low-risk projects, enabling them to get off the ground more quickly while still undergoing rigorous environmental oversight.
The process has also been streamlined for biomass projects, a move expected to boost Nova Scotia’s forestry sector by opening new opportunities and markets for low-grade wood.
According to Forest Nova Scotia Executive Director Todd Burgess, this will not only drive investment but promote sustainable forest management.
“These modifications streamline regulatory processes for low-risk biomass projects, incentivize investments in the forestry sector, and incorporate feedback from the public and the Mi’kmaq,” Burgess said. “This approach benefits both the economy and the environment.”
For the first time, climate change has been formally added as a factor in the Minister’s decision-making process – meaning both the positive and negative effects of a project on climate will be considered.
Environmental advocates welcomed this move. Scott Skinner, President and CEO of Clean Foundation, said the changes “will provide a pathway for good projects supporting the clean energy transition to move forward faster.” He also applauded the province for “improved information that will now be available for Nova Scotians to engage in the process.”
The province is placing a stronger emphasis on transparency and public involvement. Developers must now submit plain-language summaries of their projects – highlighting benefits, potential impacts, and how those impacts will be managed. These summaries will be posted online for easy access.
In addition, the consultation period for Class I assessments will be extended by 10 days, giving more time for public and Mi’kmaq input.
A new website is also in the works, offering user-friendly tools and resources to help Nova Scotians understand the environmental assessment process and how they can have their voices heard.
The last major overhaul to the environmental assessment process occurred in 2008. These new updates align with the government’s Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act, which committed to modernizing the system.
Dale Beugin of the Canadian Climate Institute called the changes a win for both environmental protection and economic clarity.
“Creating greater clarity and certainty can support climate ambition, economic competitiveness and meaningful public engagement.”
Between February 2022 and April 2025, Nova Scotia has already approved 40 projects under its environmental assessment process – including 14 wind energy initiatives and two green hydrogen projects.
With the new rules in place, that number is expected to grow as the province accelerates its push toward net-zero emissions.