CLIMATE CHANGE PROPOSALS GOOD FOR THE REGION

Fiona Hall MEP has welcomed fresh Climate Change proposals announced by the President of the European Commission, saying that the plans would mean more jobs and business for the North East.

The Commission has published draft legislation setting legally binding targets for CO2 emissions and renewable energy. This is to fulfil the pledge made by European heads of state last March to cut CO₂ emissions by 2020 to at least 20% below what they were in 1990 and to generate 20% of EU energy from renewables by 2020. There is also a target for 10% of transport fuel to be sustainable biofuel by 2020. 

Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat Energy Spokesperson in the European Parliament, welcomed the proposals.

“This announcement has put flesh on the bones of proposed EU’s action against climate change. And it proves that tackling climate change does not have to be all doom and gloom.

“There are real opportunities for economic diversity and growth – opportunities that the North East of England with its expertise in energy can make make full use of. Biofuels from oilseed rape and wheat, photovoltaics, wind energy - these industries already exist in the North East and today's announcement offers a secure framework in which they can expand.

"In Germany there are now more than 250,000 people employed in the renewable energy sector, with 160,000 jobs created between 2004 and 2006 alone. Spain has 60,000 people employed directly and 100,000 indirectly as a result solely of wind power development.

Fiona added that she particularly welcomed the mention of energy efficiency in Mr Barroso's speech.

"The percentage targets announced today, 20% renewable and a sustainable 10% for biofuels, are only achievable if total energy demand is cut. 20% of a spiralling energy demand would not be do-able. Therefore it is vital that the UK government and the Commission put resources into energy efficiency as well as into the supply side proposals announced today."