*Environmentalists horrified by proposed coal to diesel plant*

Press Release: Save Happy Valley Coalition

Wednesday 15th August

FOR IMMEDIATE USE

The Save Happy Valley Coalition has expressed its horror at Solid Energy's proposal of a coal to diesel plant in Southland.

"This plant would have a much larger carbon footprint than Marsden B, which was cancelled by a different state-owned enterprise earlier this year. Solid Energy also must drop all plans for lignite extraction from Southland," said Frances Mountier, Save Happy Valley Coalition spokesperson.

*Save **Happy** **Valley** co-hosted an Alternatives to Minerals forum in ** Christchurch** last night, featuring Antarctic scientist Professor Peter Barrett and Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.*

*"The industry is currently meeting in **Christchurch** , and is plotting further exploration in **New Zealand**. Exploration effectively operates outside of environmental protection or public input structures. ***

"We have the ability to source 100% of our electricity from renewable sources, and we need to re-examine our usage. Other proposed Solid Energy coal mines, such as that planned for Happy Valley (successfully halted by the Save Happy Valley Coalition for over 18 months so far) are entirely for export. New Zealand needs to say no to new coal mines," said Ms Mountier.

ENDS

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