Recently, the urgency of the climate crisis has been growing in tandem with geopolitical tensions that are motivating Canada to accelerate energy projects that can strengthen energy independence and provide greater energy security. Breaking barriers to interprovincial trade, exploring possibilities for regional collaboration, and finding ways to build new energy infrastructure faster are among the many aspirations of the current political moment.

The momentum is real, and the moment feels rare — a convergence of economic opportunity, climate ambition, and political will. Shortly after Wind West was named as a future addition to the Building Canada Act project list, Nova Scotia’s Premier released a bold strategic plan and took out a full front-page newspaper ad to rally public support.

East Coast Environmental Law participated in the Regional Assessment as one of many public stakeholder groups. While participating in the assessment, we also contributed to federal and provincial law reform initiatives that were establishing new regulatory regimes for offshore wind development in Atlantic Canada.

East Coast Environmental Law participated in the Regional Assessment as one of many public stakeholder groups. While participating in the assessment, we also contributed to federal and provincial law reform initiatives that were establishing new regulatory regimes for offshore wind development in Atlantic Canada.

In January 2025, the Regional Assessment of Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia (“Regional Assessment”) concluded. This backgrounder offers an overview of the Regional Assessment, explaining its origins and purpose as well as the role it is expected to play in the future regulation of offshore wind developments in Nova Scotia.

Submission to the Canada-Nova Scotia Energy Regulator on the Petroleum-related Call for Bids NS25-1P.

The development of the MPA Network Plan has involved more than a decade of extensive investment from many stakeholders and rightsholders, as well as public consultation from communities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Given this level of engagement and the support it reflects, it is both timely and appropriate for the federal government to move forward with its release as soon as possible.

Joint Letter to Minister re: Fisheries Act Implementation

East Coast Environmental Law’s submission on the proposed Wind Energy Areas (“WEAs”) that the Government of Canada and Government of Nova Scotia have presented as prospective locales for offshore wind development.

SeaBlue Canada Submission: Engagement on Offshore Wind Energy Areas for Nova Scotia

East Coast Environmental Law’s Submission to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada on the Draft Terms of Reference for the Regional Assessment of the St. Lawrence River Area.

A review of federal Crown law and policy frameworks to identify existing mechanisms to manage underwater noise pollution in Canada.

East Coast Environmental Law is a regional charity that provides public-interest environmental law services throughout Atlantic Canada. We advocate for progressive environmental law and policy, provide public legal education, and share our legal skills to support others working to prevent or redress environmental harms.

East Coast Environmental Law is a regional charity that provides public-interest environmental law services throughout Atlantic Canada. We advocate for progressive environmental law and policy, provide public legal education, and share our legal skills to support others working to prevent or redress environmental harms.

Joint Federal-Provincial Regulation of Marine Wind Energy Development in Offshore Nova Scotia: Understanding Anticipated Amendments to the Accord Acts Regime

Provincial Regulation of Marine Wind Energy Development in “Nova Scotia Waters”: Understanding the “Regulatory Path” that the Government of Nova Scotia Might Establish under the Marine Renewable Energy Act and Other Provincial Statutes and Regulations