[Greens-Media] FW: Media release: Stokes flexes muscles on clean energy

[John Kaye]

Stokes flexes muscles on clean energy

Media release: 22 July 2014

Greens NSW MP John Kaye welcomed NSW Environment Minister Rob Stokes' commitment to rooftop solar and energy efficiency projects for the government's own buildings and the promise of more rational noise regulation for wind farms.

('Renewable energy: NSW to be 'Australia's answer to California'', Sydney Morning Herald, 22 July 2014, http://j.mp/ren140722)

Dr Kaye said: "Clean energy investments will save the NSW government money in the long run and help sharpen the focus on the state's heavy dependence on coal and gas. 

"However, the Liberals and Nationals are still sending mixed messages to businesses and households.

"On the one hand, the NSW Environment Minister is pushing government agencies to model responsible clean energy investment behaviour.

"At the same time, the Abbott government has dismantled the carbon price and is undermining the Renewable Energy Target.

"The signal is confused and ineffective.

"While today's announcements, along with the NSW government's support for the national RET, are positive developments, they are fragile in the face of deep-seated hostility to clean energy amongst some senior Coalition MPs.

"Upper House Nationals Leader Duncan Gay and Planning Minister Pru Goward remain committed opponents of wind power, which is an essential component of any move to slash the state's greenhouse gas emissions.

"Without a firm, government-wide and legislated commitment to moving the state's electricity generation away from coal and gas, there is a risk that today's announcement will become window-dressing to cover up a business-as-usual approach to fossil fuels.

"The promise to ask the EPA to treat wind farm noise as it would any other industrial source is potentially a step forward, but only if it is not subverted by Planning Minister Pru Goward and the other enemies of wind in the Baird cabinet.

"The November 2011 Draft Wind Farm Planning Guidelines are still hanging around.

"Until they are taken off the table, $11 billion of investment in the most cost-effective form of renewable energy industry and 4,000 jobs will remain at risk.

"For too long the lies and deceit of the anti-wind lobby have corrupted the assessment of wind projects.

"While noise is an issue in some cases, assessment and control should cease to be a political weapon for use against clean energy.

"Environment Minister Stokes is trying to make progress and we wish him luck in his battle with his coal and gas supporting colleagues.

"One measure of success will be the December release of the Industry Noise Policy. We will be able to tell then if wind gets a fair go," Dr Kaye said.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455