17 October 2008

Smith avoiding hot water over climate-change

Building and Construction Minister Shane Jones says Dr Nick Smith is hiding behind hot water cylinders and shower heads to avoid confessing his position on climate change.

“He is conveniently using discussions and submissions over consultation measures as a diversion to hide his outrageous proposal to dump the billion-dollar household fund for energy efficiency,” Mr Jones said.

“It won’t work. He needs to stop dithering and tell the truth about where he and his party really stand on climate change and, how they intend to saddle ordinary New Zealanders with huge emissions bills.”

Mr Jones has reaffirmed that there will be no new regulations around hot water cylinders and shower flows.

“There will be no new rules in either December or February limiting the size of hot water cylinders or regulating shower flows,” Mr Jones said.

“The comments Dr Smith refers to were made at the start of a consultation process on energy-efficiency measures. There was no universal agreement, so quite plainly, no new regulations.

“This government has always been flexible and open-minded about discussions. We have always been prepared to debate the real issues and invite a wide variety of opinions before arriving at any decision. That is what we have done here.

“Dr Smith needs a cold shower to give him a dose of reality.”

ENDS

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