EDS disappointed at Climate Change initiatives

Thursday, 4 September 2014, 3:22 pm
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

EDS welcomes aspects of National’s Environment and Freshwater Policies but expresses disappointment at Climate Change initiatives

The Environmental Defence Society has welcomed aspects of National’s Environment and Freshwater policies, announced earlier this week, but expressed disappointment at its stance on climate change.

“In freshwater policy, the provision of $100 million over 10 years to buy especially sensitive areas of land, recognises that retirement from all farming is required in some places to improve freshwater quality,” said EDS Chairman Gary Taylor.

“This does not diminish the responsibility of farmers to manage their activities in a way that maintains or improves water quality. Much famer-led and Fonterra-encouraged progress has been made in planting riparian strips and in fencing waterways and that should continue. And meaningful limits need to be established for farming.

“I note that there has been some criticism of National’s proposal to regulate that dairy cattle should be kept out of freshwater systems. It has been argued that this is a voluntary target anyway. But we see a clear need to regulate as a backstop to ensure laggards comply with this important measure. So EDS is strongly supportive of the policy.

“We also welcome National’s continuing commitment to collaborative processes and to implementation of the Land and Water Forum’s recommendations. There have been ups and downs with some of that work but overall the direction of travel has been positive.

“EDS is however extremely disappointed to see National still intends to amend sections 6 and 7 of the Resource Management Act.

“This reflects an out-dated and erroneous understanding of the existing law (post the Supreme Court decision in EDS v King Salmon). The proposed amendments would lower environmental standards across a range of environmental domains including, ironically, freshwater. It is disturbing to see a proposal of this kind included in a major Party’s platform.

“Other aspects of National’s Environment Policies are good. There is a range of sensible process improvements to the RMA proposed; National will progress the Environmental Reporting Bill; and it has to its credit enacted the first environmental regulation in our Exclusive Economic Zone.

“However the climate change policies proposed are weak. National’s Emissions Trading Scheme is so hollowed-out of any meaningful price signal as to be worthless as a measure. Our international stance is embarrassing.

“I note that the Prime Minister made two relevant undertakings to us at a recent meeting with leading ENGOs. He agreed that it would be sensible to “hit the refresh button” on both RMA reform and on climate change policy if he leads the next government.

“We would certainly welcome that and would seek to hold him to it. The debate over RMA reform has been seriously confrontational and a more collaborative approach is called for. And New Zealand’s climate change stance, both domestically and internationally, needs some serious recalibrating.

“Overall, National’s Freshwater, Environment and Climate Change policies are a mixed bag: some very good, but unfortunately some in need of more considered thought,” Mr Taylor concluded.

ends

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Environmental Defence Society

EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.

Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.

EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.

EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.

EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.

Contact Environmental Defence Society

• Website - www.eds.org.nz
• Email - manager@eds.org.nz
• Phone - + 64 9 302 2972
• Link - EDS National Conference
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