Press release
Tim Yeo MP tables 'green jobs amendment' to Energy Bill
8 February 2013
Commenting on an amendment to the Government's Energy Bill tabled today (Friday 8 February 2013) by Conservative MP Tim Yeo, Chair of Energy and Climate Change Committee), Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns, Andrew Pendleton said:
"Tim Yeo's 'green jobs amendment' would put the UK at the heart of the green energy revolution, and generate thousands of much needed jobs in design, manufacturing and installation.
"The Lib Dems are now firmly in the spotlight. Will they honour their recent party conference pledge to support a decarbonisation target, or back George Osborne's reckless dash for gas?
"The Energy Bill will shape the future of our energy system for a generation - MPs must act decisively to cut carbon, protect us from spiralling fossil fuel costs and create a thriving green economy."
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The independent Committee on Climate Change have given clear advice that UK electricity needs to be almost carbon free by 2030.
2. The Labour Party has committed to implementing the Committee on Climate Change advice if they win the next General Election.
3. Liberal Democrat conference in September 2013 voted to introduce a decarbonisation target.
4. The Coalition Government tabled an amendment to their own Energy Bill at Committee Stage to introduce a decarbonisation target which was roundly criticised in debate today for not being in line with Committee on Climate Change advice.
5. Tim Yeo's amendment will be debated in the Report Stage of the Energy Bill. The date has not been set but it could be as early as the first week in March 2013.
6. Friends of the Earth's Clean British Energy campaign is urging the Government to tackle climate change by setting a target in the Energy Bill to clean up our electricity by 2030. Getting off fossil fuels will cut the carbon out of our power system and create thousands of jobs, and give the UK the chance to become a world leader in renewable energy technologies.
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: Feb 2013
