MEDIA RELEASE – 3 June, 2014
Friends of the Earth call on Premier Denis Napthine to clarify the Victorian government’s position on the Renewable Energy Target.
According to a press statement, Premier Napthine supports the Renewable Energy Target, but only is polluting gas power is included.
“The Premier seems confused about renewable energy. Victorians understand the difference and want the Premier to support the 41 terrawatt hour Renewable Energy Target,” said Friends of the Earth’s renewable energy spokesperson, Leigh Ewbank.
"Wind energy is the cheapest new-build electricity source in Australia, and solar is getting cheaper each year.”
"Gas, on the other hand, will get more expensive over time. Australia can leap frog increasingly expensive fossil fuels by switching straight to renewables."
The Napthine government’s support for gas means renewable energy jobs in Victoria are at risk.
“The Napthine government’s support for gas will undercut jobs in the Victorian renewable energy sector – including 700 wind energy jobs in his electorate,” said Leigh Ewbank.
Premier Napthine’s political maneuver on the Renewable Energy Target raises doubts over his government’s policy on coal-seam gas and fracking – Which comes just one week after announcing a statewide ban on onshore gas exploration.
“Victorian communities are declaring themselves gasfield free. The Premier’s backing for more gas power undermines his government’s commitment to go slow on fracking. Where does the Premier really stand?“
“The Premier’s statement preempts the outcome of community consultation on coal-seam gas.”
Comment:
Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth renewable energy spokesperson – 0406 316 176