Press release - February 19, 2008
It will be interesting to see if National’s Energy Strategy, due to be presented to the party’s caucus this evening, contains any reference to “sexy coal”, says Greenpeace.
"Just a few months ago, National's Energy Spokesman Gerry
Brownlee released a laughable video newsletter entitled "sexy
coal", in which he promotes coal as the way of the future," (1)
said Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Susannah Bailey.
"If Gerry Brownlee thinks coal is sexy, the National Party best
keep him well away from Huntly.
"In this day and age, and in light of the National Party's
attempts to convince "blue-green" voters it's taking climate change
seriously, to be publicly promoting this message is just
bizarre.
"The party's overall approach to climate change remains unclear.
On one hand you have National's Environment spokesperson
criticising the Government for allowing greenhouse gas emissions to
rise under its watch, yet on the other you have the party's Energy
Spokesman referring to the future of coal-use in New Zealand as
rosy.
"Does this mean the National Party would overturn the Labour-led
Government's moratorium on new fossil fuel generation, and its 90
per cent renewable electricity target?
"It's time National's right hand spoke to its left and the party
stated once and for all where it stands on climate change."
Other contacts: Susannah Bailey – (Climate Change Campaigner) 021 905 582
Kathy Cumming (Communications) – 021 495 216
Notes: (1) http://brownlee.co.nz/index.php?/archives/41-Video-Newsletter-5.html_
Exp. contact date: 2008-05-03 00:00:00