National’s comments on biofuels ring hollow

Labour Party transport spokesman Darren Hughes has congratulated Air New Zealand on its first flight using biofuels.

“This was an historic environmental moment not just for our airline but for all of New Zealand. However, sadly it comes in the same month when the National government has passed legislation that will damage the future growth of a biofuels industry in New Zealand.

“This makes John Key's comments to Air New Zealand on its use of biofuels ring hollow - his government rammed through a law in the second week of the new Parliament which abolished the 0.5% mandatory sales obligation for biofuels. The industry itself has slammed the measure as a backwards step.

“The National government is saying one thing, and then doing something completely different.” Mr Hughes said.

“New Zealand should be world leaders in the environmental, transport and tourist industries.

“Sadly this National government has scrapped legislation that would have moved New Zealand forward in these areas.

“Mr Key can claim he cares about the environment. Unfortunately his actions in scrapping biofuels legislation have said something completely different to New Zealand and the world.”

ENDS

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