[Greens-Media] Iemma's ethanol plan no silver bullet

[Alison Orme]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon -  Media Release 10 April 2008

Iemma's ethanol plan no silver bullet

NSW Greens MP and transport spokesperson Lee Rhiannon is calling on Premier Morris Iemma to hold an independent inquiry into the environmental and greenhouse gas impacts of ethanol, rather than rush ahead with plans to significantly grow the ethanol industry in NSW.

"Ethanol is no silver bullet and has debatable greenhouse and environmental benefits. The industry may well be unsustainable and result in higher food prices," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Premier Iemma is looking for a quick fix to the twin problems of climate change and peak oil, with crude oil today hitting a new record of $US112 per barrel. 

"Ethanol is a distraction and part of the Iemma government's 'greenwash' effort.

"What's needed is an immediate investment in public transport and clean, green alternate fuels like solar and wind energy.

"A recent CSIRO report on Biofuels in Australia warns that a large scale biofuels industry could force the import of wheat in drought years, attracting signficant biosecurity risks. 

"The CSIRO says if the ethanol industry does expand this will see increased competion with grains for food and with feedgrain for the livestock industry. 

"Land, water and labour in regional Australia will also come under competition pressure if the ethanol industry expands.

"The full picture around ethanol is yet to be painted and an independent inquiry is well overdue.

"What is beyond doubt is that NSW needs a far greater investment in mass public transport. 

"Mass public transport is the best way to reduce our oil requirement and our reliance on the big greenhouse emitter which is road transport.

"Transport in NSW produces 23 tonnes of greenhouse gas every year," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568 


Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au