Renewable energy is the way of the future

Rimutaka MP Chris Hipkins is delighted the Electricity (Renewable Preference) Amendment Bill has been drawn from the ballot and will now be debated in Parliament.

The Bill would prevent the construction of further non-renewable electricity generation, except where essential for security of electricity supply.

“New Zealand is fortunate that a large proportion of our electricity generation comes from renewable sources such as wind and hydro. We have so many opportunities to develop further renewable electricity generation that there really is no excuse to keep relying on fossil fuels that aren’t renewable and are bad for the environment,” Chris Hipkins said.

“By firmly establishing our commitment to renewable electricity generation we will not only be doing the right thing by the environment, we’ll also be enhancing our international reputation as a clean, green country and living up to the international commitments we have made to address the challenge of climate change.

“At a time when our international reputation as a clean green nation is being questioned, the First Reading of my Bill will provide all parties in Parliament with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to tackling the challenge of climate change in a meaningful way. We have to live up to our reputation – it’s too valuable to lose.

“Renewable energy is the way of the future. In the medium to longer term, as the price of fossil fuels continues to rise, it will be cheaper and it will also be more secure. I hope that the reinstatement of a restriction on new thermal generation will be the first of a series of steps New Zealand takes to promote greater use of renewable energy and enhanced energy efficiency.

“Over the past two decades the majority of our growth in demand for electricity has been met by the development of non-renewable electricity generation. That’s just not sustainable.

“I challenge all parties in Parliament to do the right thing by the environment and by future generations and support this Bill at first reading so that it can go to a Select Committee and all the evidence can be heard,” Chris Hipkins said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media