31 January 2020
Meaningful action to drive down emissions welcome, says peak environment group
Early reports of a commitment by the NSW and federal governments to spend $2 billion on infrastructure to integrate new clean energy projects into the national grid is a welcome development. [1]
“Premier Berejiklian and Minister Kean have been strong advocates within the government for responding to the climate emergency and today we are starting to see meaningful action,” said Nature Conservation Council Chief Executive Chris Gambian.
“Better integrating renewable energy hubs throughout the state will mean clean, cheap, reliable energy into the future.
“Our research has demonstrated that making the grid run on 100% clean energy is a great nation-building project that will bring $25 billion in investment and growth to regional NSW. [2]
“It will make renewable energy a new pillar of rural economies in many parts of the state, as well as being urgently necessary action to drive down emissions that are contributing to the global climate emergency .
“We are eagerly awaiting the details of the government’s plan — let’s hope today signals the end of the bluster and denial and the start of serious leadership and action. We just need to get on with it.
“We remain absolutely opposed to development of the Narrabri gas field and reject any suggestion that gas represents a necessary or viable transition fuel.”
Fossil fuel company Santos is seeking state government approval to establish an industrial gas field in the Pilliga forest, the largest remaining temperate woodland in eastern Australia and the last refuge for many threatened species, including the koala and Pilliga mouse.
References
[1] Morrison government strikes major energy deal with NSW, SMH, 31-1-2020
[2] Repowering the Regions Report, Dr Brad Smith
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Climate and energy
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