Archived press release

Energy Companies Join Greens in Call on Government

29 July 2005

The Government today (Friday) faced pressure from a coalition of energy companies and environmental groups demanding action on climate change. Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace have been joined by the UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy and eight energy companies including United Utilities and British Gas to demand the Government puts its words into action.

The call comes in a joint letter to the Secretaries of State for the Environment, Transport and Trade and Industry. The letter, copied to the Prime Minister, John Prescott and Gordon Brown, urges the Government to take advantage of the current review of the UK Climate Change Programme to embrace the "bold and practical policy framework" required "in order to move to a low-carbon future".

The letter is accompanied by a list of priority areas for action, including:

• Tax measures to encourage moves towards greater energy efficiency.
• An effective cap and trade scheme to encourage industry to reduce emissions.
• Tougher regulations for the built environment.
• Support for a more localised energy generation - to encourage local and micro generation schemes.

Friends of the Earth Executive Director Tony Juniper said:

"The Government must take the lead in achieving a low carbon economy. That is the common message now coming from scientists, green groups and even big power companies. All agree that Ministers need to put in place a clear framework for action to bring down our carbon dioxide emissions."

Greenpeace Policy Director Simon Reddy said:

"The power sector produces one third of the UK's carbon emissions and even they are calling on Tony Blair to take real action. We're in a climate crisis, even the utilities see that now, and we need the Prime Minister to get moving on the steps we've outlined today. The action needed requires joined-up government and only the Prime Minister can ensure that happens."

Notes

[1] Copies of the letter, which is signed by Tony Juniper, Executive Director, Friends of the Earth; Stephen Tindale, Executive Director, Greenpeace; Dr John Roberts CBE Chairman, UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy and Chief Executive, United Utilities; Ian Marchant Deputy Chairman UK Business Council for Sustainable Energy and Chief Executive, Scottish and Southern Energy; Charles Berry Executive Director Scottish Power; Mark Clare, Managing Director, British Gas; Andy Duff Chief Executive, RWE npower; Paul Golby Chief Executive, E.ON UK; Vincent de Rivaz Chief Executive, EDF Energy; Nick Winser Chief Executive, National Grid Company; are available from the press office at Friends of the Earth.

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