[Greens-Media] MEDIA RELEASE: Howard nuclear focus wrong - Greens to move for public inquiry

[Willis, Katrina (Sen C. Milne)]

MEDIA RELEASE

Sunday, 28 May 2006

Howard nuclear focus wrong

Greens to move for public inquiry 

Prime Minister John Howard's focus on nuclear power as a solution to
energy security and climate change is misplaced because he is starting
from the wrong premise, Australian Greens energy spokesperson Senator
Christine Milne said today.

"Instead of asking how much money can be made from Australia's uranium
and coal reserves and from downstream processing of them, Prime Minister
Howard needs to open the debate much wider," Senator Milne said in
Hobart.

"He needs to ask: 'How is Australia going to make the 60% cut in
greenhouse gas emissions needed in the next few decades and what's the
best contribution that  Australia can make to the world in doing so?'"

Senator Milne said the Prime Minister appeared intent on establishing a
selective inquiry into uranium enrichment and nuclear power for
Australia.

"This is a long way from the 'full-blooded debate' the Prime Minister
called for during his recent overseas trip," Senator Milne said.

"Instead of a selective examination of the Prime Minister's preferred
energy options, the Australian Greens want a full public inquiry into
the best mix of energy sources to meet future energy needs while
significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"We will be moving for such an inquiry when the Senate resumes next
month."

The inquiry would examine and make recommendations about: 
	*	Short, medium and long-term greenhouse gas abatement
targets and energy emissions intensity goals;
	*	What relevant technologies exist that are likely to make
a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and
which technologies that can be reasonably expected to be developed are
likely to deliver the greatest benefits in terms of reducing greenhouse
gas emission;
	*	The mix of energy supply and energy use efficiency
options that could feasibly meet the energy intensity requirements; 
	*	Preferred energy options, taking into consideration
factors such as cost, reliability, safety, regional development, and
sustainability; and
	*	Policy adjustments required to stimulate energy markets
to develop the preferred options at least cost.

	Contact: Katrina Willis 0437 587 562


Katrina Willis
Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
Phone 03 6234 4566
Fax 03 6234 2144
Mobile 0437 587 562
www.christinemilne.org.au