21 June, 2001 Media Statement

Government says sulphur levels in diesel too high

Associate Energy Minister Paul Swain says the government shares concerns about the sulphur levels in New Zealand diesel and agrees that current levels are out of step with European countries.

"For the first time in 10 years the government is reviewing these and other petrol and diesel specifications," Paul Swain said

"The review will be ensuring that we have fuel that suits modern engine technologies as well as ensuring that it complies with up to date quality, safety, health and environmental standards.

"We intend to make changes early next year.

"A likely outcome of that review is sulphur levels phased down over 5 years to a maximum of 50 parts per million– this is what is occurring in other countries.

"In the meantime, whilst the review is being concluded, I have called on the industry to come up with an interim solution that is acceptable to all New Zealanders.," Paul Swain said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>