Maori Party Invites other Parties Cross-party Commission on Peak Oil

Dr Pita Sharples, Co-leader, Maori Party

Monday 10 April 2006

“Today’s petrol price increase to commercial users is another ‘wake-up call’ to Parliament that it is time to start seriously responding to the vulnerability of the world’s oil supply” stated Dr Pita Sharples, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

It is critical that we promote an awareness to ‘prepare now’ for a pending energy crises stated Dr Sharples. “The word on the streets is all about the price of petrol - what will be the next announcement to follow today’s 7c a litre petrol price hike for commercial customers, and 9c a litre for diesel?

“We have been reminding Parliament that people are seeking answers about how to reduce our economic and social dependence on oil, and on products derived from oil” stated Dr Sharples. We have to face up to the fear of consumers and start exploring the potential of alternative fuels as well as consider the best approaches to preserve the world’s remaining sources of oil”.

“Already motorists are considering possible options to enjoy reduced travel times and less stressful motoring as we approach the holiday weekend” stated Dr Sharples. “It would be great if families were also considering other possible options about conserving energy, including how to achieve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions”.

The Maori Party will be writing to all other parties in Parliament, to call for the establishment of a cross-party Parliamentary Commission on Peak Oil.

“We believe this would signal that the Parliament was prepared to take a collaborative, united approach towards the most critical issue facing our future sustainability” stated Dr Sharples.

The Commission would have the facility to co-opt independent advisors such as the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, or representation from specialist groups such as the Sustainable Energy Forum.

The terms of reference would include

- Investigate the full range of renewable energy sources;

- Initiate proactive research strategies to achieve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions;

- Implement the changes required such as developing options to support cheap/free regular, reliable and frequent public transport, and

- Develop immediate timelines for action.

ENDS

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