Greens hail 'Green Living Initiative' report from the Green Alliance
09 February 2006
John Whitelegg, Green Party Sustainable Development Spokesperson, comments:"The Green Alliance are right to call for an integrated package of measureslinking tax incentives to clear information and and advice, in order toraise public awareness of environmental concerns and ways in which to tacklethem.
"We welcome any ideas like this. The Green Party have long called for Greentaxes and other such incentives to encourage householders to make the rightchoices. We would, however, go further, applying much of the same rationaleto transport - road transport alone contributes more than one fifth of theUK's greenhouse gas emissions.
"This report highlights the crucial role government could and should play in'greening' our lives, and recognises the need to engage households toachieve environmental goals.
"Only last year, we saw what Green Cllrs in Kirklees achieved in promotingenergy efficiency through council regulations - all new public buildings inthe area are now required to have some renewable energy sources - rising toa minimum of 30 per cent by 2011.(1)
"The report also highlights the need for combined, comprehensive efforts toraise awareness and so change behaviour around pressing environmentalissues, specifically linking fiscal measures such as council tax reductionfor households that insulate their lofts with wider information about theneed for energy efficiency.
"However, providing clear information on crucial issues like this does notseem to be this government's forte - the DTI's 'Public Energy Consultation'currently underway seems set to ensure, in the tradition of GM Nation, thatthe public receive biased and inadequate information regards energy sources.
"Also, it is essential for many of the measures proposed that there is asupporting infrastructure in place. Again, this is not one of thegovernment's strong suits, as clearly demonstrated in its attitude totransport. The Prime Minister insists that tackling climate change is one ofhis priorities, but pushes ahead with relentless expansion of the aviationand road industry whilst the cost of travelling on public transport iscontinually rising. Passengers currently face ridiculous choices - £110 fora train ticket(2) from London to Edinburgh or £39 by plane(3). This doesnot encourage environmentally friendly choices.
Want to make your voice heard?Check out www.greenenergyworks.org.uk , the Green Party's very own energycampaign site, to take part in our public consultation on the future ofenergy in the UK.
Notes:
'Green Living Iniative' is available at www.greenalliance.org.uk
(2)www.thetrainline.com20062712320 February 7th 2006
(3) www.easyjet.com February 7th 2006
