Greenhouse Policy Coalition (GPC)
Climate Change Pan Industry Group

April 30, 2002

GPC Chair and Climate Change Pan Industry Group spokesman Chris Baker said the groups are “pleased the Government has listened to the concerns of business. However the reality is New Zealand is taking on burdens that will not be shouldered by Australia, the USA and other nations with whom we compete.

“We will be studying the proposals very carefully and talking with government about the details.

Clearly the option of Negotiated Greenhouse Agreements (NGAs) provide an opportunity for some companies and industries to reduce the costs and risks from Climate Change policies, and to be able to invest with confidence. But these will not be costless arrangements for industry and, until we see what Government is prepared to accept, we won’t know the real impact.

“Our overall position is that New Zealand industry and consumers should not carry the Kyoto cost until it is clear the leading emitting nations are also committed. This may or may not happen sometime in the next few years. Until then we should act with great caution.

“Industry will be making representations to the Government after the policies have been studied carefully”, Mr Baker said.

Issued by:
Chris Baker
027 240 6754

© Scoop Media