NSW greenhouse regulations welcomed
Wednesday, 08 May 2002 10:00
Key environment groups from across NSW and Australia today congratulated the Carr Government on its announcement of enforceable greenhouse benchmarks, describing it as a decision of international importance.
The announced target is for an annually enforceable reduction of 5% from 1990 levels by the end of 5 years (2006-07) for NSW electricity retailers - tougher than the Federal Government's weak greenhouse position.
Executive Officer of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Kathy Ridge, said the decision represented the first time an Australian state government had introduced enforceable greenhouse gas reduction targets.
"The Carr government is forging the path for a state-based response to the global issue of climate change. The best thing about these benchmarks is that energy savings are recognised as a large part of the solution to reducing emissions. Electricity customers can reduce their emissions and their energy bills at the same time," Ms Ridge said.
Total Environment Centre Director, Jeff Angel said: "We can't waste this first genuine step in greenhouse pollution reduction from electricity. Therefore environment groups will be taking consumer action through regular green energy surveys to help achieve the best greenhouse outcomes from this decision, by ensuring that households and business know which retailer has adopted the most useful alternatives to greenhouse polluting power. Any loopholes or token action will be exposed.
"The decision should also lead to a very significant growth in jobs in the renewable and energy conservation sector."
Dr Frances MacGuire, Greenpeace Climate Campaigner welcomed the announcement and said, "The key to the meaningful implementation of the benchmarks is a responsibility for retailers to develop strategies, plans and reporting systems for energy efficiency, demand management and investment in sustainable energy such as wind and solar".
The groups said there remained, however key issues that would need to be resolved before the enforceable benchmark rules are finalised in 2003. These were:
* To ensure that there is a cap on carbon sequestration or "sinks" activities - there remain significant flaws in measuring the effectiveness of carbon sequestration in plantations, and in securing the plantations against drought, flood, pests, diseases, etc; and
* No excuse clause for retailers who make poor investment decisions.
