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Anger as Government rejects Whinash windfarm
2 March 2006
The decision to turn down the proposed Whinash wind power developmentis yet another blow to the Government's green credentials, Friends of the Earth said today.
Friends of the Earth's director, Tony Juniper, said:"We are appalled by the Government's decision to turn down this wind development. On the one hand Ministers say they support renewable energy, and on the other turn down carefully worked up proposals that would have minimal environmental impacts while helping to fight climate change - the greatest threat of all.
"The Ministers who decided this should be ashamed. No wonder the Government is failing to tackle climate change. As each day goes by Labour's commitments to the environment become more and more unbelievable."
Friends of the Earth Lakeland's spokesperson, Margaret Sanders said:
"Cumbria is one of the windiest counties in Britain, and the Whinash windfarm, which sits outside the national park, is the type of development the Government should support if it is serious about tackling climate change. Today's decision now casts doubt on numerous wind projects across the UK which are the subject of vocal NIMBY campaigns."
The Government's target for cutting UK carbon dioxide emissions by 20 per cent by 2010 (based on 1990 levels) is currently off-track. But the target is still achievable and Friends of the Earth says that the Government's Climate Change Programme Review - due shortly - will come up with firm policies to get the UK back on track.
Spain, Denmark, Portugal and even the USA are motoring ahead on wind power. This not only creates clean power, but also jobs and a stake in fast growing export markets. In the UK by contrast, Ministers continue to show a lack of ambition and imagination and appear to be continuing their retreat into the dark ages of nuclear power.
Wind farm inquiry to test climate change commitment
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
