More investment needed to bring down CO2 – Bates

Release/Rhyddhau: 28/03/06

Contact/Cyswllt: Ceirion Rees:
029 2089 8342/ 07733280105/ ceirion.rees@wales.gov.uk 

Commenting on a Government report stating that the UK is unlikely to meet its 20% target for the reduction of CO2 by 2010, Welsh Liberal Democrat environment spokesperson, Mick Bates said:

“It is no surprise that the government is failing to meet its targets. They have paid nothing more than lip service to the issue of climate change.

“Labour Governments, in Wales and in Westminster, are failing match their renewable rhetoric with renewable energy investment.

“The strategy for renewable energy in Wales is a mess. The TAN 8 document, which was released last year, focused too much on one form of energy – large on-shore wind. Local Authorities don’t like it, developers don’t like it and local communities feel their opinions are not being considered. We need a greater focus on small-scale community projects.

“The government now needs to grasp the nettle and take the issue of climate change seriously. They need to spend more time raising awareness, more time promoting energy efficiency and invest more into micro-generation.”