Save Happy Valley demands reduction in coal production
Press Release: Save Happy Valley Christchurch
Friday 21st September
For Immediate Use

The Save Happy Valley Coalition is calling for immediate steps to decrease coal exports, in light of the Government's failure to adequately address coal in yesterday's climate change policy announcements.

"Fugitive emissions from coal mining are exlcuded from the Emissions Trading Scheme – leaving taxpayers to shoulder the costs under Kyoto," said Frances Mountier, Save Happy Valley Coalition spokesperson.

"The other, massive, coal emissions exempted are coal exports – state owned coal miner Solid Energy alone exported 2.47 million tonnes of coal in the 2006 financial year. Climate change is a global problem, and we have a global responsibility to address it. Helen Clark's vision of a carbon neutral New Zealand becomes laughable when there isnt even a mention of moving away from coal exports; emissions which we are responsible for as the producer,"said Ms Mountier.

"The scheme will not be rolled out to include coal users until 2010. The delayed enactment of these policies is unacceptable, given scientists have warned we have just 10 years in which to ensure significant reductions in emissions and avoid dangerous climate change. Taking urgent steps to ensure an actual reduction in emissions is critical. Moving away from new coal mines, such as the one proposed in Happy Valley – is a simple, yet world leading, first step," said Ms Mountier.

"Solid Energy must rapidly decrease coal production – rather than the Government just cooking the books because Kyoto doesnt apply to exports. It is time we moved away from coal exports, coal use in electricity generation, and general coal consumption,' said Ms Mountier

ENDS

Notes

Save Happy Valley Christchurch is a member of the SHV Coalition - a collection of groups and individuals from around Aotearoa committed to stopping Solid Energy's proposed open cast coal mine in Happy Valley (Upper Waimangaroa Valley) on the West Coast. We work to raise awareness on climate change in New Zealand. We are also deeply concerned about the fate of all endangered species under threat from Solid Energy. The Christchurch group has a track record of creative protests, lock-ons and stunts. The Coalition has occupied Happy Valley since January 2006 and produces a variety of informative media. More information about the Coalition and its history can be found at http://www.savehappyvalley.org.nz/aboutus.htm

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