[Greens-Media] Chapple: Premier Can't See the Light through China Smog

[Robin Chapple MLC]

Robin Chapple MLC
Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region

MEDIA RELEASE

Premier Can't See the Light through China Smog

6 June 2013

As reports filter through from the Premier's trip to Asia, Greens WA
spokesperson on Climate Change, Robin Chapple MLC, reminded Mr Barnett
of the massive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions which will result from
development of WA's LNG projects.

"It's no good lecturing our neighbours on the evils of burning fossil
fuels, and pretending to offer a solution in the form of gas, when
WA's GHG emissions are set to double just on the back of production
of that gas.

"We're robbing Peter to pay Paul, and these figures don't even take
into account the emissions from transporting the LNG to market, and
the emissions from the end-use of the LNG when it is burned.

"Per capita emissions figures put us at the top of the world table.
Mr Barnett would be making a noble contribution to our global future
if he showedsome leadership at home, by using the current Minister's
review of energy policy to turn the ship around and head in the
direction of sustainable, renewable energy.

"His energy minister recently said 'this state government is working
towards a clean energy future' - let's start right now, by facing
the stark reality of climate change caused by burning fossil fuel.

"Then he really would have a story to tell when he next visits his
international counterparts - a story of how WA was revitalized by
emerging sustainable development industries, while reigning in its
GHG emissions.

"As the primary regulator of industry, our State Government should
play a key role in facilitating the transition from a carbon intensive
economy to alow carbon, clean economy," Mr Chapple concluded.