TORONTO -- Environmentalists say that under no circumstances should Ontario consider building new nuclear plants.

They say the province must look instead at renewable energy and conservation measures to meet its power needs.

Energy Minister Dwight Duncan has asked the new Ontario Power Authority to meet with Ontarians to find out if they want new nuclear reactors.

Dave Martin from Greenpeace Canada interrupted a speech by Duncan yesterday, yelling out that nuclear power is the problem and shouldn't be part of the province's future.

Martin says renewable energy is the answer to meet Ontario's growing demand for power.

New Democrat Marilyn Churley commends the government for deciding to close the province's five coal-fired power plants.

And she says the government should just say no to new nuclear plants too.