[Greens-Media] Media release: NSW coming last in state race to develop clean energy economy

[John Kaye]

NSW coming last in state race to develop clean energy economy

Media release: 18 November 2014

Premier Mike Baird must immediately commit to the implementation of a state-based Renewable Energy Target if NSW is to reverse its abysmal track record on clean energy generation, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.

Dr Kaye said: "Far from being Australia's answer to California, NSW is rapidly becoming a renewable energy black hole.

"Mike Baird is yet to reverse the damage done by his predecessor Barry O'Farrell and his hostility to the clean energy industry.

"The wind and solar industries in NSW are hanging on by a thread.

"Less investment in clean energy projects in NSW equates to lost jobs, increased carbon emissions and higher power bills.

"Committing to a state based Renewable Energy Target (RET) is the first step that Premier Mike Baird needs to take to create confidence in the clean energy sector and win back investors that have gone interstate or overseas.

"In the face of unprecedented hostility from the Abbott government, a state based RET will signal to the clean energy sector that whatever happens federally, there will be a secure market for clean energy in this state.

"The coal industry is rapidly shedding jobs. While other communities are looking forward to the end-of-year festivities, many miners and their families are facing bleak times.

"Environment Minister Rob Stokes and his Premier know that the renewable energy industry offers secure employment opportunities but they seem to be powerless to reverse the Liberal-National's legacy of hostility.

"It's not too late to change direction but action needs to be taken now if this state is to win back the investors and the jobs they bring with them," according to Dr Kaye.

For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455

Key points relating to NSW from the Climate Council report "The Australian Renewable Energy Race: Which states are winning or losing?"

* NSW was previously a leader in encouraging clean energy investment.
* The target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by 2025 was abandoned by the O'Farrell government came to power in 2011.
* NSW is now the last among the states for new per capita investment in renewable energy.
* Electricity generated from renewable sources (measured in GWh) makes up just 7% of total generation.
* With the biggest population, NSW's annual greenhouse gas emissions are the largest of any state and territory, representing 27.4% of the national total. The majority of these emissions come from the mining and burning of coal.
* 11.8% of dwellings in NSW have solar panels installed with Dubbo being the state's top solar postcode.
* There are currently 4,410 people employed in the clean energy sector.

Full copy of the report available here<http://www.climatecouncil.org.au/uploads/ee2523dc632c9b01df11ecc6e3dd2184.pdf>.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
John Kaye
Greens NSW MP

P: (02) 9230 2668 | F: facebook.com/john.kaye.mlc<http://www.facebook.com/john.kaye.mlc> | T: @johnkgreens<twitter.com/johnkgreens> | W: www.johnkaye.org.au<http://www.johnkaye.org.au>
Mail: Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000

This office pays respect to the Gadigal and the other Aboriginal peoples of NSW and acknowledges their ownership of this land.

John Kaye's office is proudly 100% unionised and union-active.

This email is solely for the named addressee and may be confidential. You should only read, disclose, transmit, copy, distribute, act in reliance on or commercialise the contents if you are authorised to do so. If you are not the intended recipient of this email, please notify the sender by email immediately and then destroy any copy of this message. Except where otherwise specifically stated, views expressed in this e-mail are those of the individual sender.
[Description: MC900437266[1]]  Please consider the environment before printing this email.