ENA Supports RMA Reform Proposals

Regional electricity lines businesses are welcoming the Resource Management Act reform proposals announced yesterday as “a breath of fresh air”.

Electricity Networks Association Chief Executive Alan Jenkins says that the processes that have grown up around resource consenting contribute little, and cost far too much.

“If we want to improve our productivity, and also allow our most important industries to focus on core issues like keeping the lights on, then clearing the overburden of unnecessary regulatory processes is an immediate priority. The streamlining that Environment Minister Nick Smith is proposing won’t compromise sound environmental management. What it will mean is a return to the core principles of the RMA. We need to aim at sustainable management of the environment, not sustaining a compliance industry.”

“Electricity distributors do however have strong reservations about the suggestion that the process for designating land for particular purposes shift from ‘requiring authorities’ (Ministers, utilities, and local bodies) to just local bodies. The interests of the spectrum of infrastructure providers, including power and gas distributors, all need to be recognised. This is especially relevant where legislation such as the Electricity, Gas and Telecommunications Acts gives utilities much-needed access to the road reserve,” he said.

“However, the overall package is very welcome, and the speed with which it is being brought forward is refreshing given the glacial pace at which anything attached to the RMA usually moves.”

ENDS

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