Consumers Robbed of Green Power
Make our voluntary climate actions count!
NATIONAL – Wednesday 7th October 2009
A campaign to fix a serious flaw in the federal government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme was launched by a coalition of environment, consumer and energy groups today.
The groups voiced serious concern about the scheme which currently does not recognise the emissions reductions individuals achieve by taking actions such as buying Greenpower or installing solar hot water systems.
The Total Environment Centre, CHOICE, WWF Australia, the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Alternative Technology Association, the Moreland Energy Foundation and Environment Victoria are calling on the federal government to amend the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) to allow households, businesses and state and local government to take their own voluntary action above and beyond the federal government’s efforts.
“Australians want to play their part in reducing their carbon emissions,” said Jeff Angel, Executive Director of the Total Environment Centre. “So far the CPRS debate has been dominated by polluting industries seeking compensation and the major parties are bending backwards to help. With major party negotiations to start soon they should focus on ensuring verifiable voluntary action taken by Australians will not simply subsidise the big polluters to continue polluting.”
“The current CPRS legislation excludes the majority of consumers and the majority of measurable consumer actions from making a meaningful contribution. It disempowers consumers from taking action on climate change and reduces their engagement with the issue,” said Gordon Renouf, Director of Campaigns and Policy, CHOICE.
“The CPRS will be an important part of Australia’s response to climate change, providing a clear price signal that will drive a shift to a clean economy”, said Paul Toni, leader of WWF Australia’s Climate Change program. “But those who take voluntary action – no matter who they are – must be confident that their action will have a direct – and additional – benefit to the environment.”
“The recognition of voluntary action by individuals, households, businesses and state and local governments under the CPRS will build upon significant momentum and send a strong message that the Government is looking to engage all Australians in the climate change challenge”, said Ian Porter, CEO of the Alternative Technology Association.
This coalition of groups is launching a campaign today to convince the federal government to make these changes.
Further Information:
Voluntary Action Statement
Additionality Briefing Paper
For Comment: Ian Porter, CEO – ATA: 03 9631 5404
Jeff Angel, Total Environment Centre: 02 9261 3437
Paul Toni, WWF Program leader Climate Change: 0410086986
Victoria Coleman, Senior Sustainability Policy Officer, CHOICE: 02 9577 3265
Paul Murfitt, CEO, Moreland Energy Foundation: 03 9385 8507
Owen Pascoe, Australian Conservation Foundation: 0437 242 950
