Costa’s reversing the Carr

Media Release
Monday 6 November 2006

If Howard’s asleep at the wheel, then Costa’s reversing the Carr.

Morris Iemma’s claim that his Government is ‘getting on with practical solutions to climate change’ is laughable, according to NSW Upper House Greens MP Ian Cohen.

“The Premier quite rightly accuses John Howard of being asleep at the wheel on climate change, but this does not entitle him to deflect responsibility for his Government’s own failings,” Mr Cohen said.

“The final draft of the NSW Government’s State Plan is imminent. The previous draft mentioned greenhouse gas emissions targets as a good idea but did not specify any.

“If they are serious about climate change this plan will contain a mandated target of at least 20% of our energy being sourced from renewables by 2020.

“It will also outline exactly what targets they have in mind for reducing NSW’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“The people of NSW and Australia are sick of the Federal and State Governments bickering over climate change. We need to know what each of them plans to do, rather than using the other’s inaction as a smokescreen for their own.

“Morris Iemma has no control over John Howard. He does have control over greenhouse gas emissions in NSW, and this requires him to also have control over his climate sceptic coal obsessed treasurer.

“Coal fired power is responsible for over 40% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, and NSW is the worst offender.

“Michael Costa repeatedly scoffs at renewable energy and defends the polluting coal industry. If The Premier wants his Government to be seen as serious about climate change then he must not only implement realistic and effective targets, but also rein in his recalcitrant treasurer,” Mr Cohen said.