Today’s revelations about the NSW Government’s Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme shows that the program is a sham, Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today.
”Premier Morris Iemma must move immediately to fix the scheme by removing the ability for pre-existing projects to create credits and stopping interstate transfers,” Mr Cohen said.
“Allowing NSW energy retailers to buy credits from interstate is proving to be a disaster.
“NSW taxpayers are effectively subsidising the dirtiest coal fired power plant in the developed world – the Hazelwood power station in Victoria.
“The government should also move to stop any projects that pre-date the scheme from being able to generate greenhouse gas reduction credits.
“We currently have the absurd situation where some businesses are being rewarded for doing nothing more than continuing projects that started before the greenhouse gas abatement scheme was introduced.
“In addition, the scheme is currently lopsided - providing credits for those that are better than average, but no disincentive for the most polluting technologies.
“While he's fixing the other deficiencies, the Premier must also ensure that the dirtiest generators do not get off scot free. Unless he does so and the true cost of their environmental destruction is recognised, new coal fired power stations will continue to be built in NSW - to the detriment of future generations.
“Today’s revelations fulfil previous Greens predictions that carbon trading would be a cover up for dirty polluting industries to continue business as usual.
“Unless Iemma acts immediately, any environmental reputation that NSW has left will evaporate. Unlike his predecessor, Bob Carr, the current Premier does not even seem to understand this central green issue,” Mr Cohen said.
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