Save Happy Valley Coalition supports Commissioners call

Press Release: Save Happy Valley Coalition
25th July 2006

The Save Happy Valley Coalition supports the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's call for no more coal or gas-powered electricity stations in New Zealand.

"Dr Williams' report should put an end to a coal-fired power station being built on the West Coast, and lead to the Government directing Solid Energy to stop plans for a coal mine in Happy Valley,' said Save Happy Valley Coalition spokesperson Frances Mountier.

"It also means the cancellation of the proposed opening of Marsden B, and a guarantee from the Government that they will stop promoting coal and gas-powered electricity stations," said Ms Mountier.

Burning coal for electricity leads to the emission of carbon dioxide, worsening climate change. Coal power stations degrade local air quality and result in tonnes of pollutants that have to be disposed of. The extraction of coal also destroys habitat, further endangers threatened species and pollutes waterways.

"The Labour Government must get serious about a sustainable energy policy. There is widespread public concern over climate change. This Government could begin by taking a world leading step and saying 'no' to its planned mine in the pristine Happy Valley on the West Coast.

"Dr Williams' assessment is well-grounded in science that warns of the growing threat posed to our economic, social and environmental wellbeing if we do not address climate change," said Ms Mountier.

"Scientists from the Royal Society to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provide us with increasingly certain information about sea level rise and the climatic uncertainties faced if we do not make changes in energy policy across the globe. New Zealand has an international obligation to take action on climate change - and it is critical for New Zealanders and our neighbours that we do. The Labour Government should heed Dr Williams' comments and turn its focus to increasing energy efficiency and investing in renewable sources of electricity."

ENDS

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