23 November 2009 Media Statement
Shambolic and unfair ETS will cost taxpayers billions

Today’s quick and dirty deal with the Maori Party lumps taxpayers with a $110 billion bill allowing big polluters to continue polluting, Labour Leader Phil Goff said today.

“The process has been a shambles from beginning to end. But the prize must go to Nick Smith and John Key for underestimating the cost of National’s ETS by $50 billion,” Phil Goff said.

“That blunder doubled the cost of National’s ETS, leaving every Kiwi family with a $92,000 bill to pay for National’s plan.

“National’s ETS will load enormous costs onto future generations of taxpayers and is riddled with privileged deals for particular groups of polluters.

“National has rushed through its changes, it’s made little or no attempt to consult and has been dishonest about the true cost of its ETS.

“There is no incentive under National’s plan for big polluters to reduce emissions or to use cleaner technology. All National is doing is shifting the cost of emissions from polluters to taxpayers.

"John Key is also using the smokescreen of legal action from Iwi to justify his deal with the Maori Party to force through National’s shambolic ETS.

“John Key’s line that there is a strong chance of successful legal action from a handful of Iwi because the Crown failed to pass on information about potential emissions trading schemes when settlements were agreed 14 years ago does not stand up.

“Crown Law advice suggests ‘there is no evidence of a breach of the Crown’s obligations’.

“Mr Key needs to explain to New Zealanders why he’s making these concessions which gives preferential treatment to Maori companies which other forestry companies do not get from the government.

“Let’s be clear this deal will not benefit Maori as a whole. It is a deal done with a handful of Iwi to guarantee Maori Party support for National’s shambles of an ETS.

“National’s plan significantly reduces the effectiveness of the ETS and will have a negative impact on the economy and environment for many years to come.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media