Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Miliband signals end of unabated coal
23 April 2009
Commenting on the Government's announcement today on coal-fired power stations, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director, Andy Atkins said:
"This is a significant and welcome shift in the Government's policy on coal."
"Ed Miliband is right to signal the end of unabated coal-fired power stations - we recognise the enormous efforts he is making in trying to force the Government in a greener direction."
"But there is still a lot of uncertainty around carbon capture and storage - including whether it will even work."
"The Government must adopt an emissions performance standard, tightened up over time to provide a cast-iron guarantee that fossil fuel power stations either capture all carbon emissions or close down."
"Today's proposals contain loopholes that could allow power stations to avoid capturing all its emissions - this would risk saddling the UK with carbon- belching dinosaurs that could have a catastrophic effect on UK efforts to tackle climate change."
"Ministers could also reduce the need for new coal-fired power stations by investing in slashing energy waste and developing the UK's world-class green energy potential."
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: May 2009
