Auckland February 20, 2008

Is "sexy coal" on the agenda?

It will be interesting to see if National's Energy Strategy, due to be presented to the party's caucus this evening, contains any reference to "sexy coal", says Greenpeace.

"Just a few months ago, Mr Brownlee released a laughable video newsletter entitled "sexy coal", in which he promotes coal as the way of the future," (1) said Greenpeace climate Campaigner Susannah Bailey.

"If Gerry Brownlee thinks coal is sexy, the National Party best keep him well away from Huntly.

"In this day and age, and in light of the National Party's attempts to convince "blue-green" voters it's taking climate change seriously, to be publicly promoting this message is just bizarre.

"The party's overall approach to climate change remains unclear. On the one hand you have National's Environment spokesperson criticising the Government for allowing greenhouse gas emissions to rise under its watch, yet on the other you have the party's Energy Spokesman referring to the future of coal-use in New Zealand as "rosy".

"Does this mean the National Party would overturn the Labour-led Government's moratorium on new fossil fuel generation, and its 90 per cent renewable electricity target?

"It's time National's right hand spoke to its left and the party stated once and for all where it stands on climate change."

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