Productivity Commission: the world is moving to price pollution & support renewables
The Productivity Commission report for the Multi-Party Climate Committee shows that major countries are moving to transform their economies with a combination of carbon pricing and direct support for sunrise industries such as renewable energy, the Greens said today.
The report shows that a wide range of climate policies and industry measures are in place in all countries analysed: China, the USA, the UK, South Korea, Japan, Germany and New Zealand.
"In a serious debate, this report would help finally put to rest the ridiculous notion that Australia might be moving ahead of the world in putting a price on pollution," Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.
Senators Bob Brown and Christine Milne press conference - 17-5-2011
Discussing Current Climate Change Negotiations
Nasser's proposal means higher costs
BHP Billiton Chair, Jacques Nasser's call to start the price on pollution with the energy sector alone would mean higher costs for the community and the broader economy, the Australian Greens said today.
Australians reject fossil fuel subsidies - Brown
Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown today released polling results that show overwhelming support for redirecting the government's $11 billion a year hand-out to fossil fuel companies to renewable energy research and development.
Milne tells Clean Energy Conference: Pollution price not enough to drive renewables
Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, will today tell a national clean energy industry conference that the Greens are pushing for direct support for the renewable energy industry beyond a price on pollution, with policies that will drive down costs over time and speed up the creation of new jobs through economic transformation.
Greens welcome Clean Energy Council's contribution
Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, today welcomed the Clean Energy Council's thoughtful contribution to the carbon pricing discussion.
"It is important to have as many considered contributions as possible, especially from stakeholders which stand ready to deliver the low carbon economy of tomorrow," Senator Milne said.
Carbon price agreement: The transformation to clean energy can start now
The Australian Greens today joined the Gillard government in announcing an agreed pathway towards a carbon price that should commence on July 1, 2012, beginning the transformation of our economy from polluting fossil fuels to clean energy.
The agreement is a major step towards implementation of the Greens' proposal for a fixed carbon price starting as soon as possible, rising each year, with no international offsets allowed. The fixed price could be replaced in time with a well-designed emissions trading scheme.
[ Read On or Read Full Agreement Here ]
Greens back levy after $100 million win on solar
...and support for affordable housing, education
The Australian Greens will support the flood levy in the House of Representatives and the Senate after important gains from the Government on their proposed funding cuts.
Greens Leader Bob Brown, Deputy Leader Christine Milne and MP Adam Bandt took their concerns directly to the government and negotiated a good outcome that will release funding for flood recovery and protect key programs.
The Greens have ensured that $100 million will be returned to the Solar Flagships program in the forward estimates and that a proper consultation process will be undertaken to develop long term policy for large-scale solar power.
The Greens also secured agreement for continued discussions about long-term funding for disaster relief and options for a national insurance program as the nation moves toward confronting the challenges posed by climate change.
Minister must publicly reveal true position on uranium sales to India
The Australian Greens have called on resources Minister Martin Ferguson to make a statement to Parliament on his policy on uranium sales to India, and whether it differs from that of the Australian Government.
Greens spokesperson for nuclear affairs Senator Scott Ludlam said the Government had recently reaffirmed it would not sell uranium to a country that was not a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but leaked documents suggested that Minister Ferguson had different plans.