[Greens-Media] BCA plan would drive up cost of reducing emissions - Greens

[Bennett, Ebony (Sen B. Brown)]

Thursday, 21 August 2008

BCA plan would drive up cost of reducing emissions - Greens

The Business Council of Australia's trading scheme recommendations, released today, would utterly undermine the environmental integrity of the emissions trading scheme and drive up costs for ordinary Australians, Senator Christine Milne, Australian Greens climate change spokesperson said today.

"What a shame BCA continue to put their selfish interests ahead of what is clearly in Australia's best interest," Senator Milne said. 

"Big polluters always cry that the sky is falling when governments propose schemes to reduce pollution. But every time governments hold firm and introduce their schemes, the polluters clean up their act and get on with business," Senator Milne said.

"The big question is whether the Rudd Government has the courage to introduce a strong emissions trading scheme or whether it will buckle to the selfish demands of the big polluters."

"There is no hope for an international agreement to reduce emissions if wealthy, developed countries like Australia do not lead the way."

"The special treatment the Business Council is advocating for trade exposed industries would be to the financial detriment of its other members. It should ask its other members if they would be happy paying extra to cover the emissions of trade exposed industries which are given special treatment," Senator Milne said.

Further information: Tim Hollo 0437 587 562


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Ebony Bennett
Media Advisor 
Senator Bob Brown | Leader of the Australian Greens 
e: ebony.bennett at aph.gov.au 
m: 0409 164 603 | p: (02) 6277 3170 | f: (02) 6277 3185
w: www.bobbrown.org.au <http://www.bobbrown.org.au/>   <http://www.greens.org.au>