[Greens-Media] Scrap plans for 22 new coal projects to protect environment and economy

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
9 September 2007


Scrap plans for 22 new coal projects to protect environment and economy


Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on the NSW
government to take climate change seriously and not approve the 22
proposed new coal projects (Sunday Telegraph Page 2. 9 September
2007).

"Every new coal mine the Labor government approves means more
dangerous greenhouse gas pollution and less opportunity for NSW to
gain the economic benefit from the worldwide growth in renewable
energy," Ms Rhiannon said.

"It is time Premier Morris Iemma showed he is committed to
implementing a climate change policy that results in reduced
greenhouse gas emissions.

"New coal mines are damaging our economy as well as the environment.

"The burning and mining of coal is responsible for 40 percent of
Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.

"Two massive mines at Anvil Hill and Moolarben, approved recently by
the NSW government, will each increase Australia's greenhouse gas
emissions by five percent.

"The shift to renewable energy is already happening. NSW is now missing
out on wind and solar technology export contracts that are being won
by Germany and Denmark because our state and federal governments are
hooked on coal.

"It is time we stopped opening up new coalmines.

"The coal industry has enormous power over the NSW Labor government.
The big coal giants know if they want a new coal mine they get it.

"This battle is not just about climate change. Labor and the Coalition
parties support for the coal industry is damaging NSW economic
opportunities," Ms Rhiannon said.

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