Leaders debate exposes clean coal fantasy

The NSW major party leaders' debate on Friday night demonstrated that neither the Premier nor the Opposition Leader understands the realities of coal and climate change, according to Greens Upper House candidate John Kaye.

Dr Kaye said: "In a rare moment of consensus, both Morris lemma and Peter Debnam pointed to so-called clean coal technologies as a response to this state's massive contribution to global warming.

"Neither seemed to be aware that even the most enthusiastic proponents admit that the technology is at least a decade away from being ready for commercial application.

"In the meantime, coal exported from NSW will have added more than 2.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

"This is more than one hundred times the greenhouse gas emissions from all motor transport in NSW.

"Even if some of the carbon dioxide from coal fired power stations can eventually be successfully captured and stored, waiting for the technology to work will incur an unacceptable global warming burden.

"This is an appalling level of ignorance from two men who are putting themselves forward to lead a state that hosts the world's largest coal export port and contributes more than 10% of the world's trade in coal.

"Voters who are concerned about global warming would have every reason to be alarmed by their lack of understanding and preparedness to face the challenges posed by this state's coal industry.

"The Greens are proposing a phase out of the coal industry, based on banning new coal projects, including new mines, power stations and handling facilities.

"A planned reduction in coal use and export will enable this state to develop a renewable energy industry that will deliver more jobs, a strong export industry and a reliable and affordable electricity supply," Dr Kaye said.