NGFOE URGE CHI ONWURAH MP TO TAKE ACTION ON ENERGY BILL

Local people will call on Newcastle Central MP, Chi Onwurah, to press for greater action on climate change at a public meeting next week. The meeting[1], part of the Big Climate Connection [2], will take place on Friday 27th May, 7pm at Newcastle University Fine Arts Lecture Theatre.

Newcastle Gateshead Friends of the Earth is asking for strong measures to be included in the forthcoming Energy Bill. The measures include:
-A national refurbishment of the housing stock to improve energy efficiency
-Strengthening the Government's proposed legislation on privately rented homes to ensure earlier and ongoing action and protection for tenants.
-A duty for local authorities to tackle climate change following expert advice.
-Finance is made available to poorer countries struggling to cope with the effects of climate change.

The measures will help to ensure the Government meets its requirements under the Climate Change Act, reduces the health effects of poor quality homes, cuts fuel bills for vulnerable people and boosts the local economy. [3]

Moise Coulon from Newcastle Gateshead Friends of the Earth said "It is a great opportunity to reconnect with our energy, we need to make sure everybody starting from the poorer can insulate their homes, keep warm and save energy!"

Simon Bowens, Friends of the Earth's North East campaigner and also speaking at the meeting said "Nearly one in four families in Newcastle Central are living in fuel poverty. Many of these are living in houses which are unfit for the 21st century but can be improved through energy efficiency measures. MPs need to show their commitment to tackling fuel poverty and climate change and boosting the local economy by supporting our amendments to the Energy Bill."

Chi Onwurah MP said "Making the connection to local people concerned about climate change is important to me. I'm pleased to support their calls for greater action because it is good for the economy and the environment"

FURTHER INFORMATION: A briefing on the policy demands is at http://www.stopclimatechaos.org/bcc2-asks

[1] Friday 27th May, Newcastle University, Public Debate http://www.foe.co.uk/groups/newcastlegateshead/270.htm
[2] The Big Climate Connection is a co-ordinated campaign which will see hundreds of local people lobbying their MPs across the country throughout spring Updated information on the number of lobby events and people attending will be available at www.thebigconnection.org
[3] The benefits of the policy demands include:
· Greater energy security, better health and fewer people suffering from fuel poverty as a result of better insulated homes.
· A healthier local economy with new jobs in insulation and renewable power and a healthier global economy with both rich and poor countries growing using low carbon industries.
· Greater resources for developing countries to respond and adapt to extreme weather events, such as the floods seen recently in Pakistan.
· Increased trust in international climate negotiations through action at home to reduce our emissions and through delivering on our commitments for climate finance that will support developing countries to respond and adapt to extreme weather events
[3] Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. More than 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk.