Coal phase out gathers momentum, but Labor & Libs refuse to open eyes

MEDIA RELEASE - 23 February 2015

The Greens NSW mining spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham today welcomed the call of the Climate and Health Alliance and numerous health and scientific professionals for a phase out of coal mining in NSW, saying it shows the Greens policy for a coal phase out strategy is gathering momentum, despite Labor and Coalition trying to dismiss it.

“As the climate, health and local environmental impacts of coal mining are becoming evident, the call for a phase out of coal mining is gathering momentum” said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.

“Scientists conclude that 95% of NSW coal reserves must stay in the ground to avoid dangerous climate change, while the health costs are now estimated at $600 million per year for the Hunter Valley alone.

“The decision taken by the next Parliament will be critical in shaping our energy future and NSW needs to have a mature discussion on just how long we can continue to mine and burn coal and how quickly we should transition to renewable energy.

“Labor and the Coalition need to stop wining and dining with coal lobbyists and have an honest discussion with the electorate about the future of coal in the context of climate change and the structural decline of the industry.

“Voters are furious with the decision to allow mining in our best farming areas in the Liverpool Plains, and a clear majority want a transition to clean energy systems and away from fossil fuels.

“Coal is the whale oil of the 21st Century. The question is whether we are prudent and have a managed phase out strategy, or will we avert our gaze until there is a chaotic collapse?”

Contact: Max Phillips – 9230 2202 or 0419 444 916

The Greens plan to phase out coal and protect the climate is here.

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