NSW Liberal government plans to increase emissions from coal and gas
South East Climate Alliance group 350 Eurobodalla says that everyone else has to cut emissions, but coal and gas would be allowed to increase pollution. See chart below.
The NSW LIBERAL GOVERNMENT PLANS TO INCREASE FUGITIVE EMISSIONS FROM COAL MINING AND GAS FRACKING BY 29% from 2021 to 2030.
This shocking information was found by Lock the Gate in the government’s NSW Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections, 2021-2050.
The Liberals have already approved fracking the Pillaga Forest in the Narrabri region of NSW. There are eight new coal mines under consideration and on past form and current policy, they will get to pollute our planet as well.
The first eight years of the current Liberal government saw coal production rise 24% in NSW from 2010-2011 to 2018-2019. If re-elected the Liberals plan to continue expanding coal and gas with a resulting increase in fugitive emissions.
“Under Liberal premiers O’Farrell, Baird, Berejiklian and Perrotet, the story is the same, more fossil fuel production and more damage to our future,” said Allan Rees, secretary of climate group 350 Eurobodalla.
The total impact is much worse as the Liberal government is only counting the emissions that leak at the mines and wells. If the coal from the eight proposed mines is burnt, they would create 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2-e greenhouse gas.
“There is no escape for Australia from the pollution when our fossil fuels are burnt in other countries,” Rees said.
“We are already suffering the effects of climate change with the bushfires and floods which have devastated huge areas of NSW,” Rees said.
There is no shortage of gas for local use in Australia. Since 2017 gas usage for power generation has fallen 30% and for other users is predicted to fall 11% since last year. The gas export companies promised they would reserve enough gas for local use and the government has the power to make them do it.
NSW Labor also supports more coal and gas, along with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party and the One Nation Party which also wants nuclear power. The Greens and many independents oppose any new coal and gas.
A survey of 200 members of South East Climate Alliance groups found that they want no new coal mines or gas fracking. The other top issue for members was an end to native forest logging.
For further information and interviews
Contact Allan Rees 0417 400 892
Secretary, 350 Eurobodalla
South East Climate Alliance consists of 350 Eurobodalla, SERCA (South East Region Conservation Alliance), SHASA (Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance), Coastwatchers, Friends of the Forest Mogo, NCMG (Nature Coast Marine Group) and CANSigns (Climate Action Now Signs).
Chart in this article from data source: