Renewables Bill to export jobs

The NRET Bill, which is likely to be considered by Parliament next week, does not require renewable energy to be generated in NSW.

Dr Kaye said: “The failure of the NRET legislation to limit generation to NSW means another opportunity for clean energy jobs in NSW will be lost.

“Jobs that should be going to the people of NSW will instead be exported to other states.

“The Victorian renewable target limits generation to Victoria. The Brumby government anticipates $2 billion investment to flow from this decision, leading to thousands of jobs.

“The government should be taking this opportunity to build a renewable energy industry in this state, with sustainable, quality jobs – not exporting them to other states.

“The NSW government is instead allowing generation to occur in other states that do not have mandatory targets. NSW ratepayers will be funding jobs in other states.

“Coming on top of the litany of climate change failures from the NSW government, the decision to export renewable energy jobs to other states makes plain the irrational lack of interest in a climate-friendly economy inside the NSW Cabinet.

“Instead of clean energy jobs into the future, we get dirty coal. Instead of investment in sustainable water use, we get desalination. Instead of a workable GGAS scheme, we get a government walking away.

“Greens MPs will be holding the Iemma government to account for its litany of climate failures and betrayals when Parliament sits”, Dr Kaye said.