NSW Parliament swamped by 7,725 anti coal-power petitioners
Media release: 24 June 2010
Petitions signed by 7,725 citizens of NSW calling for the Keneally government to abandon its plans for new coal-fired power stations were tabled in parliament today, according to Greens NSW MP John Kaye.
Dr Kaye said: “Treasurer Eric Roozendaal’s plan for two new fossil fuel baseload power stations is rapidly becoming an embarrassment to the Keneally government.
“Community opposition is growing as people realise that the new power stations will increase the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 17 percent and drive up household power bills.
“Shortly after the petitions were tabled, Planning Minister Tony Kelly was unable to defend his statement that the state faced power shortages if the new baseload generators are not built.
“In his answer to a question about a court challenge to the planning approval, the Minister could not explain why he persisted with the myth that more baseload power was needed to maintain supply reliability.
“The state is being stampeded into expensive and polluting power generation projects that are not need to keep the lights on.
“It is time for the Keneally government to listen to the community and to energy experts who are telling them that energy efficiency, demand management and renewable energy are cheaper and less polluting options.
“Environment groups, the Greens and local climate action groups found a great deal of enthusiasm for the petition.
“The many volunteers across the state who have been collecting signatures should be congratulated for taking a stand against new coal-fired power stations,” Dr Kaye said.
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455
