Autumn Statement: gas, gas, gas5 December 2012
Chancellor George Osborne has backed a new dash for gas - likely to increase fuel bills and bust legal targets for tackling climate change.
The Government will also talk to industry about tax breaks for shale gas - said Osborne in his Autumn Statement. This is despite concerns over the environmental impacts of fracking and experts saying it's very unlikely shale gas will cut energy costs.
The big polluters must think Christmas has come early. But if bad Santa Osborne's gas-fired energy strategy gets the go-ahead it will leave cash-strapped households and the environment with a thumping hangover for decades.
Andy Atkins, Executive Director, Friends of the Earth
Fossil fool
The fossil fuel industry already enjoys a number of tax breakswhich does nothing to help the UK shift to renewable energy.
Friends of the Earth says the anti-green Chancellor has a "desperately short-termist" approach to energy policy. And it will harm the UK economy in the long term.
Shale future
Friends of the Earth opposes shale gas because it:
- Is a fossil fuel that contributes to climate change.
- Threatens investment in clean British energy from the wind, sun and sea.
- Won't lead to an era of cheap gas.
- Risks water contamination and air pollution.
Local people are extremely alarmed by George Osborne's fracking plans - they could pollute our clean water and air, threaten house prices and destroy our vital farming and tourism sectors.
Marion Seed, Central Lancashire Friends of the Earth.
Road to nowhere
Osborne announced a billion pounds for new roads - and postponed a rise in fuel duty - to please motorists fed up with high petrol prices. But it's oil, not fuel duty pushing up prices at the pump.
The Chancellor failed to announce measures to cut emissions from transport. Meanwhile, above-inflation rises for rail fares were announced last week.
MP action
Last month over 100 businesses and NGOs called on the Government to include a target to green our electricity by 2030 in the Energy Bill.
Ask your MP to stop a reckless dash for gas and back green jobs by supporting a target too.
Take our quick e-action or find your MP on Twitter. Thank you.
© Friends of the Earth
