Climate Action to be Election Clincher - but Fossil Fuel Lobby Still Dragging the Chain

Thursday, 01 February 2007 00:48

But Governments should not be bullied by the fossil fuel lobby’s self-interested push for untested and dangerous technologies based on skewed numbers released today by the Electricity Supply Association of Australia (ESAA), the group said.

“It’s game on for NSW’s climate change election,” said Jane Castle, TEC campaigner.  “The CSIRO report has brought the issue front and centre and so far neither Government nor Opposition have shown they can lead NSW through this crisis.  Massive emissions reductions, 25% of our power from renewable energy and zero electricity demand growth through energy efficiency are now the minimum for any party contesting this election.”

“NSW should be taking the lead, rather than pointing fingers at the irresponsible Federal Government.  Premier Iemma needs to clean up NSW’s backyard by saying no to more polluting power and coal mines.  Clean energy can provide power and savings equal to more six polluting coal-fired power stations.  It’s simply a matter of political will.”

The ESAA report, also released today, uses subjective numbers on as yet unproven technologies for burying pollution from coal-fired power, while ignoring the massive potential of energy efficiency and inflating the cost of renewable energy, the group said.

“The ESAA report only got one thing right: we need a price on carbon.  But their Chicken Little approach to increased costs failed to mention the bigger picture – the economic and environmental disaster that awaits us if we keep consuming fossil fuels.  Australia’s electricity prices are among the lowest in the world and people have shown they are willing to pay more to avoid climate catastrophe.  The fossil fuel lobby needs to take off the blinkers and see outside their narrow self-interest.”