[Greens-Media] Drought crisis shows expanding NSW coal mining is reckless

[John Kaye]

Drought crisis shows expanding NSW coal mining is reckless

Media Release: 21 April 2007

The Iemma government's greenhouse credentials are in tatters and will 
not survive any decisions to further expand coal mining in this 
state, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Dr Kaye said: "The Iemma government knows that a failure to reduce 
greenhouse gas emissions risks prolonged and devastating droughts 
with appalling consequences for food production.

"Yet two weeks ago they approved a massive expansion of the coal 
export capacity of Newcastle. The new loading facilities will be 
responsible for exporting coal that will produce more than 160 
million tonnes of CO2 each year.

"This is more than all of NSW's greenhouse gas emissions.

"In the next few weeks, the government will have to decide on the 
future of the Anvil Hill coal mine proposal.

"The state is rapidly approaching a coal crisis point.

"Continued expansion will lock in high levels of emissions and reduce 
our ability to respond to global warming.

"Having put off decisions about the future of both the Newcastle coal 
loader and Anvil Hill until after last month's election, the Iemma 
government hopes that they can sneak through a massive expansion of 
the industry without anyone noticing.

"With the Murray-Darling running dry and rising food prices an 
inevitability, it is time to get serious about taming the coal 
industry and reducing emissions.

"NSW is squandering the opportunity to develop a renewable energy 
industry that would provide many more jobs than the coal industry. We 
are placing at risk the future of the Murray-Darling. And we are 
allowing the coal corporations to call the shots.

"If Premier Iemma and Minister Koperberg want to be taken seriously 
on climate change, they must reject Anvil Hill and reverse the 
Newcastle coal loader approval," Dr Kaye said.

For more information:       John Kaye 0407 195 455


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John Kaye
phone: 0407 195 455
email: john at nsw.greens.org.au
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