19 May 2009 Media Statement

Brownlee’s biodiesel plan a sham

The announcement today by Gerry Brownlee that he wants to kick start the New Zealand biodiesel industry is laughable, Labour Energy Spokespersons Charles Chauvel and Chris Hipkins say.

“Last year the Government scrapped biofuels legislation that would have supported the biofuels industry to become established and sustainable," Charles Chauvel said.

“As a result of National’s decision to ram through the scrapping of biofuels legislation last year investment and job opportunities in this industry were lost.

“Today’s announcement that National supports the biodiesel industry is a joke in light of the considerable damage Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee has already done to this industry,” Charles Chauvel said.

The decision late last year caused Bio Diesel Oils NZ who had invested over $10 million in biofuel production to halt further development of a second production site.

“The National Government has made New Zealand a laughing stock internationally for its constant handwringing and flip-flops on the Emissions Trading Standards, climate change and now biofuels,” said Chris Hipkins

“It is quite apparent that the National Government has no idea what it is doing in terms of either the biofuels industry or environmental policy.

“That complete lack of direction and ability to provide any form of credible leadership on environmental issues is costing New Zealand in terms of its reputation as a clean green country and attracting investors to this country at a time when we desperately need them.

“Countries all over the world are seeing the potential ‘green’ industries have to help recover from the world economic crisis. But in New Zealand we have no plan for either economic or environmental success,” Chris Hipkins said.

“The ad-hoc statements on these two major issues means New Zealanders are missing out on jobs both now and in the future as the National Government continue to blunder its way through environmental and economic issues,” Charles Chauvel said.

ENDS

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