March 28th 2006

Save Happy Valley And Greens Protest Outside Climate Change Conference

Today coal industry lobby group Coal Representatives Against Progressive Policy (CRAPP) protested against the 'Climate Change and Governance' conference, held at Te Papa.

With slogans such as 'Kyoto Schmyoto' and 'Save My Six-figure Salary' CRAPP claimed that seriously combating Climate Change would jeopardise the massive bonuses and perks they get for producing one of the worlds most polluting sources of CO2 emissions.

"Although today's CRAPP protest is light-hearted street-theatre, climate change is a serious threat to New Zealanders and the environment"said Timothy Bailey, Wellington Spokesperson for the Save Happy Valley Coalition.

"The Labour Government wishes to be seen 'tackling' Climate Change, yet is whole-heartedly encouraging State-owned coal miner Solid Energy to continue with unsustainable coal mining. Solid Energy plans to mine Happy Valley on the South Island's West Coast, which would produce 12 million of tonnes of carbon dioxide and destroy prime kiwi habitat" he said.

"CEOs on massive six-figure salaries, such as Solid Energy's Don Elder, are the only people who really benefit from coal mining. The rest of us are forced to suffer the consequences of environmental degradation and climate change caused by coal mining" said Mr Bailey

"The five million tonnes of coal in Happy Valley would largely be exported to steel-making industries in Japan and China. The idea of mines in ecologically significant areas such as Happy Valley is totally abhorrent when the only benefit is a tiny addition to the government's multi-billion dollar surplus" said Mr Bailey.

"We call on the Labour government to rein in Solid Energy and stop its' planned Happy Valley mine in the interests of those who will suffer from Climate Change" he said.

ENDS

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