Gerry Brownlee MP
National Party Energy Spokesman

7 March 2007

Marsden B scrapped over policy uncertainty

The Government’s failure to clearly articulate climate change policy, and to put a price on carbon emissions, has no doubt contributed to Mighty River’s decision to abandon plans to fire up the Marsden B plant, says National’s Energy spokesman, Gerry Brownlee.

“Today’s announcement of plans to scrap Marsden B comes as no surprise.

“Mighty River has spent millions of dollars on the consent process to date, but with the uncertainty of the Government’s climate change policy it would have been ridiculous for them to continue.

“Environmentally sustainable energy projects can’t be expected to flourish while the Government’s climate change policy is in such a mess.

“In the meantime, New Zealand is still dependent on thermal plants.

“Everything the Labour Government has done with regard to climate change has simply seen New Zealand’s carbon deficit increase and created energy supply uncertainty.

“Labour is talking the talk, but doesn’t walk the walk.

“Energy Minister David Parker now needs to explain how security of energy supply to Auckland and Northland can be guaranteed.

“The Minister needs to release a timetable for his plans to align the climate change and energy policies so we can look to a secure future and settle the regime for dealing with carbon emissions.”

ENDS

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