Minister of Resources Shane Jones can’t – or won’t – say what the criteria are for his $200 million subsidy for gas companies.

“We asked Shane Jones what the criteria are for his handouts to overseas fossil fuel companies in this morning’s scrutiny hearing, but he couldn’t tell us,” Labour energy and resources spokesperson Megan Woods said.

“That transparency is hugely important when we’re talking about $200 million in taxpayer money that is going to subsidise their operations.

“Has he already decided who gets it? What’s the process for that, and what happens if they don’t find any gas, given no new gas reserves have been found in New Zealand for years?

“This subsidy is an irresponsible choice and further delays the much-needed transition away from fossil fuels, which are the leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions.

“That money could be better spent building new warm, dry, energy-efficient homes; investing in our health system; or ensuring a just transition to good well-paying jobs for those currently working in the oil and gas industry.

“Shane Jones says he wants to open up the entire South Island to oil and gas exploration when companies have already spent hundreds of millions of dollars looking for fossil fuels without finding any.

“A responsible government needs to take a long-term view of where opportunities lie in our regions and where opportunities lie for New Zealanders in work. The Minister is showing absolutely no ability to do that and is focused on a fairy tale,” Megan Woods said.

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