The NSW Government must get serious about tackling climate change, and it must do it immediately, said NSW Greens Upper House MP Ian Cohen.
“The Lowy poll published today shows that the public understand this to be a critical threat, and they want governments to take action,” he said.
“The Labor Party in general, and the NSW Treasurer in particular, need to overcome their addiction to coal. It is not, as Michael Costa believes, essential to our economy or our future. In fact the reverse is true. Coal generated power is responsible for around 44% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, and NSW is the biggest contributor. This cannot continue.
“Incredibly, this government has recently seen fit to expand the Hunter Valley Coal industry by developing a mine at Anvil Hill. This is a retrograde step. They should be investing in the renewable energy industry instead, and lock in a mandatory renewable energy target of 20% by 2012.
“I call on the Premier, the Treasurer and senior Government Ministers to publicly acknowledge that they understand the dangers presented by climate change, and also to tell the people of NSW what they intend to do about it.
“When they do, they should understand that we do not have time for pointless debates about nuclear energy or industry touted ‘clean coal’. Nor do the people of NSW want to hear the lie that using renewable energy will hurt the economy or cause net job losses. Once set up, solar cells harness energy for next to nothing. Wind power provides three times as many jobs per unit of energy produced than coal.
“Renewable energy is economically beneficial, and environmentally essential. The people of NSW want action on this issue. I call on the NSW Government to provide it. A mandatory renewable energy target would help safeguard our future, and, given the current political climate, it would go a long way towards safeguarding the government’s future as well.” Mr Cohen said.
Further Information: Michael Hidden Ph: 9230 2603 or 0431 320 085
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