Premier Raises Bid for Climate but More to Do

Wednesday, 28 February 2007 02:06

“The stakes have been raised but the trump cards for climate change are still to be delivered,” said Jeff Angel, TEC Director. 

“Despite the Opposition’s efforts to lead on water and solar homes, they need to commit to 30% greenhouse cuts to prove they’re serious.  And Peter Debnam’s pledge to sack the Cabinet Office – and along with it the NSW Greenhouse Office - is a poor proposal that will wipe out crucial government expertise on climate change.  NSW has been the main architect of a national emissions trading scheme, through the Cabinet Office.”

“The Government’s commitment to reassess legislated renewable energy and greenhouse targets is also a step in the right direction.  Both currently fall short of what’s needed and as new information on global warming becomes available, it is sensible to keep the options open.”

“The solar hot water rebate is long overdue and will help close the gap between electric and solar.  However, we question the rebate for conversion from electric to gas hot water.  Gas hot water still produces substantial greenhouse emissions and energy bills.  Given 25% of household energy use is for heating water, they shouldn’t stop half-way.”

“Solar hot water should be mandatory for all new homes, rather than being optional under the current Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) scheme.” 

To address climate change, NSW environment groups are calling for:

* Legislated greenhouse emissions reductions of 30% by 2020
* Zero energy growth by 2010
* 25% renewable energy by 2020
* A moratorium on new coal fired power and coal mines
* A transport strategy to reverse growth in greenhouse pollution
* A genuine end to land clearing