Victoria leaves New South Wales for dead on renewable energy - 17 July 2006

New South Wales will be left behind by other states that have pledged to support renewable energy, said Ian Cohen, Greens Upper House MP.

“Today the Victorian Labor Government announced its own mandatory renewable energy target scheme, following South Australia’s similar move last month.

“Although Victoria’s plan is inadequate, with its target of 10 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2016, at least they are making a solid, sensible step towards supporting renewable energy.

“Iemma’s Labor counterparts in Victoria and South Australia can see the brilliant future promised by renewable energy – clean energy that is available now – but it seems the Premier cannot.

“The Federal government’s push towards dangerous and environmentally unsound technologies such as nuclear power means it is crucial that the State Labor Government look towards renewable energy alternatives.

“The Iemma government must commit to a renewable energy target of at least 15 per cent by 2012 and 25 per cent by 2020 and make NSW the leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Government must also introduce a moratorium on new coal-fired power stations and legislate cuts in greenhouse gas emissions in NSW of at least 20 per cent by 2020 and at least 60 per cent by 2050.

“Otherwise, investment and jobs in clean, renewable energy such as solar and wind power will be killed off by this government’s inaction.”