[Greens-Media] Allens report backs Greens on efficiency; Milne to reintroduce amendments next sitting

[Hollo, Tim (Sen C. Milne)]

Allens report backs Greens on efficiency; Milne to reintroduce
amendments next sitting

Canberra, Monday 11 August 2008  Australian Greens climate change
spokesperson, Senator Christine Milne, will re-introduce amendments to
the Energy Efficiency Opportunities Act to require large energy users to
implement the findings of energy efficiency audits in the next Senate
sitting period.

A report for COAG by Allen Consulting Group, suppressed since June until
revealed today in the Carbon and Environment Daily newsletter, backs the
Greens position that mandating energy efficiency for large users would
have a substantial impact in reducing emissions with economic benefits
that companies currently do not consider given the broad range of
decisions they face each day.

Senator Milne said, "Energy efficiency provides a tremendous opportunity
to reduce emissions fast and save money into the bargain, and yet too
often it is overlooked.

"The rush to claim, and to hand out, 'compensation' for increased prices
due to emissions trading clearly demonstrates the lack of information
about efficiency opportunities that even those in positions of great
responsibility have.

"Very few decision-makers, from governments to industry to householders,
seem to understand that almost everyone can save more money by saving
energy than they will have to pay out thanks to higher energy prices.

"The Greens will argue strongly that, if the Government insists on
compensating big polluters for the impact of the emissions trading
scheme, any compensation must be linked directly to efforts to reduce
emissions. Unless polluters make a real effort to reduce the amount they
pollute, and to achieve the scheme's supposed desired outcome, they
should not be 'compensated' for the financial imposition the scheme
places on them.

"The Greens will re-introduce amendments to the Energy Efficiency
Opportunities Act 2006 to mandate the implementation of the energy
efficiency audits that large energy users are already required to
conduct. Any opportunities with a payback period of three years or less
would have to be implemented immediately, with longer-term investments
phased in over time.

"Both Labor and the Coalition opposed these amendments on both occasions
they have been debated until now. Perhaps now that my amendments have
the backing of Allens Consulting, and a similar scheme is operational in
Victoria, the big old parties could see their way to supporting them?"


The Allen Consulting Group report can be downloaded from
http://www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au/pdf/CBA%20Potential%20Mandatory%20Energ
y%20Efficiency%20Requirements%20for%20Industry.pdf


Tim Hollo
Media and Communications Adviser
Senator Christine Milne
+61 (0)2 6277 3063
+61 (0) 437 587 562
www.christinemilne.org.au

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