Carr should lead on greenhouse

Tuesday, 08 May 2001 10:00

"Bob Carr is the nation's political leader on greenhouse. NSW is the premier greenhouse state economy and has adopted leading environmental policies. However, these new warnings from the CSIRO require enhanced government action. We call on Premier Carr to announce stricter emission benchmarks for the electricity sector; new financial incentives, including removal of the EDL levy from Green Energy and a major energy conservation program for Sydney's CBD," said Jeff Angel, Director of Total Environment Centre.

"We should aim for 20% of electricity to be supplied from renewable sources by 2010. A TEC study found this was practical and would create thousands of new jobs."

"Actions to halt NSW's land clearing must also be a top priority action for the Government," said Kathy Ridge, Executive Officer of the Nature Conservation Council.

"Massive amounts of greenhouse gases are released when the bulldozers and chainsaws move in. Clearing affects regional environmental sustainability and the climate change impacts will reduce agricultural productivity. We need clear and effective conservation targets; financial help for farmers that embrace vegetation protection; and more active prosecutions for those who persist in breaching clearing laws."

The Government's new Environment Statement, to be released soon, is the appropriate vehicle to announce new greenhouse policies, the two groups said.