The top priority for Lord Deben (John Gummer), the new chair of the Committee on Climate Change, must be to ensure that the Energy Bill - shortly to be presented to MPs - plays its part in meeting UK climate targets, Friends of the Earth said today.
 
Welcoming confirmation today of Lord Deben's appointment as the new  chair of the Committee on Climate Change, Friends of the Earth’s Executive Director Andy Atkins said;
 
“Lord Deben’s defining challenge will be to ensure that the Government’s Energy Bill sets targets that lead to the decarbonisation of UK electricity generation by 2030 – a measure the Committee on Climate Change recommends as essential for meeting the nation’s climate targets.
 
“We’re delighted by this appointment – Lord Deben has been a passionate champion of a thriving green economy for many years.
 
“The new chair fully understands the urgent need to cut emissions and recognises that investment in clean British energy from the wind, waves and sun is essential for economic growth.”
 
ENDS
 
Notes to editors:
 
1.    Lord Deben appointed Chair of Committee on Climate Change - DECC press release:

2. The Committee on Climate Change was set up by the Climate Change Act 2008: legislation that Friends of the Earth led the campaign for through The Big Ask.