Wales Has “Tarnished” Environmental Image
Posted on: January 31st, 2008 by Emma YoungWales has a tarnished image as the worst emitter of carbon in the UK, stated Mick Bates AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Environment.
He greeted publication of the EU Climate and Energy Package with a great deal of positivity. The directive sets a new agenda for tackling climate change. He warned that more action is needed by the Labour-Plaid Assembly Government if Wales is to ditch its tarnished environmental reputation.
“The EU climate package proposes a target of 20% renewable energy consumption with a UK target of 15%. While this is commendable it must be backed up by real action. The Liberal Democrats have strong policies for a low carbon future and we call for 30% of the UK’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% by 2050. The UK Government must be more ambitious if we are to move towards a greener future” commented Mr Bates.
He went on to say that the dearth of renewable energy projects proposed by the Labor Plaid Assembly Government is “shameful.” His statement came in light of the fact that Wales is over 70% behind in the government’s past goal of producing 10% renewable energy by 2010. He went on to add that Wales offered many opportunities for renewable energy.
