Media Release

29th August, 2012

Report offers Southland a real alternative to lignite – Environment Commissioner

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Jan Wright is welcoming economic modelling that shows the potential value of low carbon economic development to Southland.

The modelling was commissioned by the WWF and produced by Berl.

Dr Wright says a move to a low carbon economy offers New Zealand economic benefits.

“The WWF’s work provides some good examples of the kind of economic gains New Zealand could make if we capitalise on our green credentials by investing in a low carbon future.

“There’s an outdated idea that being ‘environmental’ means trading off wealth but often what is good environmentally is also good for the back pockets of New Zealanders.

“Of course the other economic future for Southland is one of exploiting their lignite fields but in my 2010 report on this issue I drew the conclusion that this would be a mockery of our clean green credentials. I’d expect this would also damage our economy.”

Dr Wright’s 2010 report discussing Southland’s lignite stocks, Lignite and climate change: The high cost of low grade coal, is available at www.pce.parliament.nz

ENDS

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