INDEPENDENT NEWS

Report offers Southland a real alternative to lignite

Published: Wed 29 Aug 2012 09:11 AM
Media Release
29th August, 2012
Report offers Southland a real alternative to lignite – Environment Commissioner
The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Jan Wright is welcoming economic modelling that shows the potential value of low carbon economic development to Southland.
The modelling was commissioned by the WWF and produced by Berl.
Dr Wright says a move to a low carbon economy offers New Zealand economic benefits.
“The WWF’s work provides some good examples of the kind of economic gains New Zealand could make if we capitalise on our green credentials by investing in a low carbon future.
“There’s an outdated idea that being ‘environmental’ means trading off wealth but often what is good environmentally is also good for the back pockets of New Zealanders.
“Of course the other economic future for Southland is one of exploiting their lignite fields but in my 2010 report on this issue I drew the conclusion that this would be a mockery of our clean green credentials. I’d expect this would also damage our economy.”
Dr Wright’s 2010 report discussing Southland’s lignite stocks, Lignite and climate change: The high cost of low grade coal, is available at www.pce.parliament.nz
ENDS

Next in New Zealand politics

Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
By: New Zealand Government
GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan
By: New Zealand Government
New Zealand Provides Further Humanitarian Support To Gaza And The West Bank
By: New Zealand Government
High Court Judge Appointed
By: New Zealand Government
Parliamentary Network Breached By The PRC
By: New Zealand Government
Tax Cuts Now Even More Irresponsible
By: New Zealand Labour Party
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media