Choosing to expand coal-fired power in NSW will blacken not just the Premier’s environmental achievements but the state’s greenhouse commitments as well, Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today.
“The Carr Government is choosing to walk away from encouraging investment in a clean energy future for NSW and instead chosen to plunge the state into a future black with polluting coal,” Mr Cohen said.
“The Premier risks becoming part of the problem on global warming, not the cure. He has the ability, and options available, to not expand the coal-fired power sector but instead appears to be throwing his hands in the air as if it’s all too hard.
“Coal power is out of date and out of step with the future of this state and planet.
“It is possible to deal with both climate change and our energy infrastructure problems by adopting a mandatory renewable energy target of 20 per cent by 2020, together with strong energy efficiency programs. This would create jobs and investment and be far cheaper than building new coal plants.”
Premier Carr is a member of the International Climate Change Taskforce, which has set a target of 25 per cent clean, renewable energy by 2025 and highlighted the need to keep temperature rises below 2C to avoid dangerous climate change.
“The Premier’s Greenhouse Advisory Panel has recommended that NSW should adopt strong energy efficiency and demand management measures as building more coal plants is incompatible with reducing greenhouse emissions.”
Further Information: Paul Sheridan, 0410 516 656
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