The Government’s relaxing of unrealistic deadlines for entry into force of air-quality standards injects a welcome dose of sanity into this debate, Straterra CEO Chris Baker says. “Environment Minister Nick Smith has announced a practical and achievable plan for improving air quality in New Zealand and he deserves to be congratulated for that, not censured,” Mr Baker said today.

Hon Dr Nick Smith responded today on Morning Report, Radio NZ, to criticisms by environmental groups of the delay from 2013 to 2020 of entry into force of air quality standards for 15 air sheds. He said industries are a minor contributor to air pollution, compared to home heating and vehicles, but sticking to the 2013 deadline would punish industries most, while not achieving any meaningful gains for air quality.

Mr Baker said Minister Smith’s plan to continue converting homes to cleaner forms of heating and new emissions standards for vehicles is the “realistic plan”, to quote the Minister, to “support economic growth and look after the clean, green image”. “This is a case of making policy decisions based on facts, which is of course the responsible, 21st Century approach to governing this country,” Mr Baker said.

ENDS

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