[Greens-Media] Bartlett could turn from renewable energy laggard to leader at COAG

[Hollo, Tim (Sen C. Milne)]

Bartlett could turn from renewable energy laggard to leader at COAG

Tasmania's Premier has been urged to stand up for a strong renewable
energy scheme at this weekend's COAG meeting. 

Tasmania is the only state without a plan for a price guarantee for
renewable energy, known as a feed-in tariff. All the other states have
committed to flawed schemes which limit payments to solar power instead
of all renewable energy sources and which only pay for net power instead
of all power generated. 

The Australian Greens Deputy Leader and Climate Change Spokesperson
Christine Milne says it's time for Premier Bartlett to make virtue out
of his failure to act on climate change. 

"Premier Bartlett can turn his laggard status into leadership on
renewable energy this weekend by refusing to sign up to a lowest common
denominator feed-in tariff," Senator Milne said. 

"Feed-in tariffs, when designed well, can be one of the most powerful
tools available to governments to drive investment in zero emissions
renewable energy. 

"By guaranteeing a premium price for renewable energy, tailored for each
technology, investors have the certainty they need to make the
investment."

Senator Milne's Private Member's Bill for a national feed-in tariff,
covering all renewable energy sources and paying a premium for all power
generated, is languishing in the Senate waiting for COAG to discuss a
national harmonised scheme. The issue is supposed to be on the agenda
for this weekend's COAG meeting.

"While South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and NSW
have all introduced or committed to schemes which let them pretend to be
serious about climate change, Premier Bartlett now has the opportunity
to implement a far stronger scheme than his mainland colleagues,"
Senator Milne said.

"Has he got the courage to commit Tasmania to a national gross feed-in
tariff and to block all the flawed alternatives?

"The federal government clearly wants the COAG process to destroy the
prospect of a national gross-feed tariff for all forms of renewable
energy. Premier Bartlett should not deliver for Prime Minister Rudd."


Tim Hollo 
Media and Communications Adviser 
Senator Christine Milne 
Australian Greens Deputy Leader
ph: (02) 6277 3588 
mob: 0437 587 562
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