[Greens-Media] Sweetheart deals will undermine renewable energy targets

[John Kaye]

Sweetheart deals will undermine renewable energy targets
 
Media Release: 27 June 2007
 
The Iemma government is nobbling its clean energy program before it has
even begun by exempting large energy users from the need to pay for the
additional costs of renewable energy sources, according to Greens NSW MP
John Kaye.
 
Commenting on the story on pages 1 and 8 of today’s Sydney Morning
Herald, Dr Kaye said: “Large electricity users are responsible for more
than their fair share of greenhouse gas emissions. 
 
“They should at least pay their fair share of the cost of the
solution.
 
“By letting the big end of town shirk their responsibilities, the costs
of reducing this state’s greenhouse gas emissions will fall more heavily
on the shoulders of households and small business.
 
“By limiting the revenue base for the shift to renewable energy, the
Iemma government is undermining the entire program.
 
“It may be a big victory for Treasurer Michael Costa but it is bad news
for the environment and the economy of NSW.
 
“The legislation will put enormous power in the hands of the Energy
Minister Ian Macdonald who will be able to pick his favourites.
 
“This will lead to the worst kind of sweetheart deals for the rich and
powerful big users.
 
“It will create even greater pressure for large donations from the big
energy users to whichever political party is in government. 
 
“By putting the entire cost onto households and small businesses the
Iemma government shows it is not serious about reducing emissions and
building a strong renewable energy industry in NSW.
 
“Households consume less than 35% of electrical energy in NSW but will
be forced to shoulder the lions share of the cost of the government’s
renewable energy targets.
 
“Not only will this limit the growth in renewable energy sources but it
will also stymie the jobs growth that clean energy could bring to NSW,”
Dr Kaye said. 
 
For more information:John Kaye 0407 195 455
 
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John Kaye
Greens member of the NSW Parliament
phone: (02) 9230 2668
fax: (02) 9230 2586
mobile: 0407 195 455
email: John.Kaye at parliament.nsw.gov.au
 
mail: Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000