Greens lead Senate candidate for NSW Lee Rhiannon has criticised the Federal Government for failing to provide leadership on the critical issue of our times, reducing greenhouse emissions. She says today’s announcement offers no transition plan to enable NSW to shift from coal to renewables.
“The NSW economy is dependent on coal and nothing in this plan helps NSW break the addiction,” Ms Rhiannon said.
“A talk fest and a promise of emissions standards for dirty coal fired power stations are akin to slapping a bandaid on a festering boil.
“No new coal power stations should be built in NSW. They can never be made climate safe.
“$1 billion for the renewable energy grid is a welcome start but far more is needed to stimulate the renewable industry.
“More than double this figure has been marked for carbon capture and storage technology which is a bankrupt solution that takes us nowhere.
“We need to fast track the shift in NSW away from coal mining and coal fired power to clean, renewable energy.
“NSW can build a strong and sustainable economy through investment in renewable energy options such as solar and wind power.
“Putting a price on carbon is what’s necessary to tackle climate change, but the Federal government is rejecting the Greens offer to help deliver it.
Ms Rhiannon dismissed the government’s plan for community consultation on climate change.
“Involving the public in finding climate change solutions is necessary, but the Prime Minister’s announcement involves a two-year delay the planet cannot afford.
“Federal Labor was given a mandate to act on climate change at the last election and it should not delay action now.
“Renewables, along with public transport infrastructure that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, are key to reducing NSW’s emissions,” Ms
Rhiannon said.
Contact: Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568