John Key MP
National Party Leader

5 December 2006

Carbon neutrality goal is all hot air

The Labour Government’s plan to make New Zealand ‘carbon neutral’ has been shown up as hot air even before it starts, says National Party Leader John Key.

Statistics New Zealand data out today shows hydro and wind generation provided the lowest proportion of electricity generation since records began in 1961.

Meanwhile, 85% of all new electricity generation since Labour came to power in 1999 has been coal-fired.

“We know that the Labour Government has stood back and done nothing to advance renewable hydro projects like Aqua and Dobson - while supporting coal-fired plants like the one at Marsden B,” says Mr Key.

“We know that more trees are being cut down than are being planted.

“And we know that our greenhouse gas emissions are growing faster than in Australia and the United States.

“So it’s clear that action is required.

“But Labour’s goal of carbon neutrality is totally unrealistic. It would require us to shut down all the factories, turn out all the lights, and scrap all our vehicles.

“Helen Clark’s admission that she has sought no advice from officials about the feasibility of making New Zealand ‘carbon neutral’ shows just how much hot air her proclamation was.

“Voters should judge her on her record on greenhouse gas emissions - not the rhetoric. They will find that her record doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.”

ENDS

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