Iemma should listen to the punters on new coal generation

Dr Kaye said: “Premier Iemma is being led by his Treasurer Michael Costa to the brink of a decision that would be unpopular and dangerous.

“The high level of understanding of the climate impacts of increasing coal burning capacity in NSW should set alarm bells ringing in Governor Macquarie Towers.

“Professor Tony Owen will hand his report on new base load capacity to the NSW government early next week.

“Treasurer Michael Costa has been pushing for privatisation of the retailers and a new coal fired power station.

“This opinion poll will strengthen the arguments of Cabinet members who are deeply concerned about the 8.8 million tonnes that a new coal-fired power station would emit each year.

“Boosting this state’s emissions by more than 5.7% will make it impossible to reach even the Iemma government’s very weak targets.

“The NSW government is at now at the crossroads. If it goes ahead with privatising the retailers and building a new coal-fired power plant it will lock this state out of the international effort to reduce emissions and develop renewable alternatives.

“They will also be going against the wishes of the overwhelming majority of voters who are now very concerned about the impacts of more coal-fired generating capacity.

“There is a growing understanding that renewable energy can provide a secure and reliable electricity supply. Denmark and Spain now generate 20% and 27% of their energy from wind. NSW could soon be doing the same or better.

“The Greens will be ramping up the campaign against coal and privatisation to give community members the opportunity to send their renewables message directly to Premier Iemma and his cabinet,” Dr Kaye said.