Lignite is taxpayer subsidised madness

green-party

Thu Dec 09 2010 13:00:00 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)

Lignite is taxpayer subsidised madness

Thursday, 9 December 2010, 11:17 am
Press Release: Green Party

Embargoed until 5AM Thursday 9 December

Plans to mine Southland and Otago lignite will significantly increase New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions at the taxpayer's expense, according to a report welcomed by the Green Party today.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment released a report today entitled Lignite and climate change: The high cost of low grade coal which demonstrates that the proposals to mine and use lignite will result in huge increases in greenhouse gas emissions, much of which could get free carbon credits from the Government under the current Emission Trading Scheme (ETS).

"State-owned Solid Energy's plans for just one liquid fuel conversion plant alone will increase national emissions by 7%, and the taxpayer may end up picking up the entire cost," said Green Party Co-leader Dr Russel Norman.

"This report shows the folly of the Government's economic and energy strategies.

"We cannot reduce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions by digging up and burning dirty low grade coal.

"We cannot develop a sustainable economy by subsidising activities that exacerbate climate change, not to mention the other environmental and social costs of coal mining," said Dr Norman.

The report has three major recommendations, including changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme to ensure that new lignite developments and other emitting activities will not be allocated free carbon credits by the Government, and increases in funding to identify and harness opportunities to grow the green economy.

"Subsidising a 19th century energy source that could kill us in the medium term is a stupid idea.

"We have the opportunity and responsibility to actively encourage clean green solutions.

"For innovation to happen, we need a price on all new activities that increase greenhouse gas emissions, and support and incentives for sustainable alternatives," said Dr Norman.

ends

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}

Using Scoop for work?

Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.

Join Pro Individual Find out more

Find more from Green Party on InfoPages.