Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Support for coal raises mass of contradictions
6 April 1998
In its letter to Mr Blair, the environmental group is also seeking clarification on how support for coal will affect opencast mining, how any policy shift will influence moves to increase renewable power, what role energy efficiency programmes will have and how maintaining substantial coal generating capacity will affect the relative contribution of emission reductions needed from traffic.
Friends of the Earth recognises a role for coal generation in the UK energy mix but is concerned that the legitimate promotion of jobs in this industry is not promoted at the expense of the environment. Friends of the Earth believes that in addition to establishing an environmentally sustainable proportion of energy from coal that the Government should be using tax and other incentives to target renewable energy expansion in areas where jobs are most needed, including in areas where coal has declined.
Charles Secrett, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, said:
“Coal should have a future in the generation of power in this country, but not at the expense of the global environment or of new job-creating power sources. If the Government is to be successful in meeting its commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from this country by a fifth by 2010 then it will have to think very carefully about the implications of maintaining or increasing coal-fired generating capacity”.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
