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25 Feb 1999
Dr Cunningham, MP for the area, has given evidence to the inquiry saying he is opposed to the scheme, although it would help cut greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the Government's target for the development of renewable energy for the 21st century. Wind power is supported by the DTI and DETR as an important part of the Government's strategy to tackle climate change and develop a clean and competitive industry for the UK.
The planned wind farm at Lowca, 5km north of Whitehaven Harbour, will consist of just seven turbines on an old opencast site. It is being proposed by Powergen Renewables Ltd and will generate enough pollution-free electricity to power 3,800 homes, or 40% of the homes in Whitehaven. Powergen lodged an appeal when the proposal was originally refused by local councillors, following a campaign by anti-wind group Country Guardian. Friends of the Earth has given evidence at the planning inquiry in support of the project,saying it will be a positive contribution to the area, which is being regenerated with Millennium Fund money.
Anna Stanford, Energy Campaigner for Friends of the Earth said;
“This project will use an old industrial site to create clean, green energy for local people, without contributing to climate change or the nation's stockpile of nuclear waste. We are sad to see Government Minister Jack Cunningham ignoring his party's policies on renewable energy and siding with those other well-known nuclear apologists in Country Guardian. Ironically Dr Cunningham has recently been lobbying hard to expand that better-known blot on the landscape, Sellafield.”
Contact details:
Friends of the Earth
26-28 Underwood St.
LONDON
N1 7JQ
Tel: 020 7490 1555
Fax: 020 7490 0881
Web: www.foe.co.uk/feedback.html
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