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MPs call for reforms to energy planning policy
23 March 2010
Today's call from MPs for reforms to Government draft planning policies on major energy infrastructure projects has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth.
The Energy and Climate Change Committee has today raised a number of concerns about the draft Energy National Policy Statements, including "significant concern that decision-making by the IPC could give rise to an energy infrastructure that risks breaching the UK's carbon budgets".
Friends of the Earth wrote to Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband in January warning that the Government could face a judicial review unless its "fundamentally flawed" draft planning policies on major energy infrastructure are significantly changed.
Friends of the Earth's economics campaigner Simon Bullock said:
"MPs have rightly identified significant flaws in the Government's draft planning policies on major energy infrastructure projects and are urging important changes.
"These policy statements will determine whether we get locked into a high-carbon future over the next few decades, or invest in safe, clean and green technologies.
"Friends of the Earth has written to Ed Miliband warning him that these proposals are probably unlawful and could lead to a challenge in the courts.
"These plans must be tougher and clearer, and ensure that the way we generate energy in the UK plays a key role in tackling climate change."
Friends of the Earth supports the Committee's calls for:
• Safeguards to prevent lock-in to high-carbon infrastructure;
• A clear commitment to fully decarbonising the electricity sector by 2030;
• A full democratic mandate: better involvement of the public before
finalising plans;
• A much clearer assessment of the level of need for non-renewable energy.
ENDS
1. Friends of the Earth press release: Legal warning to Government over energy policy statements:
http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/nps_22012010.html
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: Mar 2010
