Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Rail electrification will help cut emissions
22 July 2009
Commenting on Government plans for the electrification of the Great Western mainline, expected to be announced on Thursday (23 July 2009), Friends of the Earth's transport campaigner Richard Dyer said:
"The decision to electrify more of Britain's rail network is good news as electric trains produce up to a third less carbon emissions than diesel trains - but electric trains are only as green as the electricity that powers them.
"Passengers expect a reliable service, so the Government must provide sufficient funds to ensure the network infrastructure such as overhead wires are robust.
"We need the Government to fulfil its pledge to massively expand the proportion of our energy generated from renewable sources like wind and solar power, to ensure our rail network is clean, green and contributes to making real cuts in greenhouse gas emissions in the UK."
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: Jul 2009
