Commenting on a new report on the growth in wind turbines published by the Campaign to Protect Rural England today (Monday 30 April 2012), Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns Andrew Pendleton said:

"It's not surprising that wind power enjoys the backing of two thirds of the population - the clean energy it produces is essential for reducing our reliance on expensive fossil fuels and tackling rocketing fuel bills.

"Wind turbines should always be sensitively sited, but one of the biggest threats to our countryside is climate change – and this is exactly what wind power can help defeat.

"It's time to stop tilting at windmills and get on with the urgent task of building a clean British energy industry that will boost our economy, create jobs and save us all money.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.         The UK public supports wind energy because it reduces dependence on energy imports and cuts carbon emissions: RenewableUK press release.

2.         Earlier this week Friends of the Earth launched a new energy campaign urging the Government to invest in clean British energy, with new research showing 85 per cent of Brits would like to see the Government increase the use of clean British energy and reduce the use of overseas gas. For more information see here.