[Greens-Media] Nathan Rees must talk tough on climate change with Peabody Mining Chief

[Lee Rhiannon]

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - 14 August 2009

Nathan Rees must talk tough on climate change with Peabody Mining Chief
 
Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon said Premier Nathan Rees will be compromised by today's meeting with the CEO of Peabody Energy - the world's largest coal company - if he does not publicly comment on the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb the expansion of the NSW coal industry ('US coal giant says industry will suffer', SMH, p. 7). 
 
"Peabody Energy CEO Mr Greg Boyce is part of an intensive fossil fuel lobbying blitz in the US and Australia designed to derail real measures to combat climate change," Ms Rhiannon said. 
 
"Going on the Premier's track record the Peabody CEO probably think Nathan Rees will be a push over.
 
"Peabody Energy has a notorious record in NSW. Its 24/7 operations at its Mudgee mine have resulted in hardship for locals. In the southern coalfields there is growing concern about the company's plan to mine under Woronora Reservoir and other major infrastructure. 
 
"Mr Rees needs to do his job as Premier of NSW and take on Mr Boyce over his company's appalling disregard for local communities and environmental protection, and the massive greenhouse gas emissions from Peabody operations.
 
"Mr Boyce's visit is designed to protect his company's profits. Peabody Energy are desperate to trash any climate change restrictions and the Premier needs to understand that this is Mr Boyce's agenda.

"If the NSW government bows to the demands of this mining giant it will be seen as having no commitment to tackling climate change.
 
"The Greens have called on Peabody Energy to cut their 24-hour mining operations at their Mudgee mines.  The all day and night operations, and the associated dust and noise levels, seriously impact on the health of locals.
 
"Peabody's greed for profits is why they undertake non stop mining and disregard the needs of local communities. 

"Premier Rees should tell Mr Boyce today that Peabody coal mines will only be allowed to operate for up to 14 hours a day. 
"Peabody's operations in the Southern Coalfields pose a threat to the Illawarra's and southern Sydney's water supply. The Greens are concerned that the company's Peabody's Environmental Assessment played down the subsidence impact on local cliff faces, watercourses and Aboriginal heritage sites. 
 
"Premier Rees should tell Mr Boyce that he will not allow road and rail infrastructure and future drinking water supplies to come second to Peabody Energy's profit push," said Ms Rhiannon.
 
For more information:9230 3551, 0427 861 568

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Lee Rhiannon, MLC
The Greens
Parliament of New South Wales
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 
Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
lee.rhiannon at parliament.nsw.gov.au
http://www.lee.greens.org.au/
http://www.democracy4sale.org/ 
http://twitter.com/leerhiannon

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