Maori Party Calls for Urgent Cross-Party Parliamentary Commission to respond to oil crisis

Tariana Turia, Co-leader, Maori Party; 4 September 2005

In releasing its environmental policy today, the Maori Party will announce the need to set up an urgent Cross-Party Parliamentary Commission to assess the impact of the coming peak in world oil production.

"Peak oil is an urgent priority and requires action now" stated Tariana Turia, co-leader of the Maori Party. "New Zealanders are seeking answers about how to reduce our economic and social dependence on oil, and on products derived from oil".

"The Maori Party is prepared to demonstrate the leadership required to respond to the imminent oil and petrol crisis" said Mrs Turia. "We believe this issue is above politics. We must move beyond being reactive and put our energies into developing a pro-active, well thought-out contingency plan to prepare for life without cheap oil".

"It is critical that we 'prepare now' for a pending energy crises" stated Mrs Turia. "Our announcement today is to signal that we expect the Parliament to establish an urgent Commission, immediately after the General election period. We have no time to wait".

The establishment of the cross-party Parliamentary Commission would signal that the Parliament was prepared to take a collaborative, united approach towards the most critical issue facing our future sustainability.

The Commission would have the facility to co-opt independent advisors such as the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, or representation from specialist groups such as the Sustainable Energy Forum.

The terms of reference would include

„« Investigate the full range of renewable energy sources;

„« Initiate proactive research strategies to achieve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions;

„« Implement the changes required such as developing options to support cheap/free regular, reliable and frequent public transport, and

„« Develop immediate timelines for action.

The Environmental and Energy Efficiency Policy is going to be launched at Te Kopua in Raglan (off Riria Kereopa Drive) at 3pm today.

There will also be an opportunity for media to be briefed about the Special Cross-Party Parliamentary Commission at Enderley Hall in Hamilton, at 1.00pm.

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