A new report by a committee of MPs of Wednesday, 26 January 2011, warning that new UK planning rules could lead to a new 'dash for gas' and stall low-carbon energy investment, has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth.
The green campaigning charity is calling on the Government to amend its energy planning rules - or National Policy Statements - to ensure that they play their part in ensuring UK climate targets are met.
Friends of the Earth's Senior Economics campaigner Simon Bullock said: "MPs are right to be concerned about a new dash-for-gas - this would damage our energy security, increase carbon emissions and obstruct green energy investment.
"The National Policy Statement must set a cap on the amount of carbon-belching energy generation allowed in the UK - which must be linked to the Government's climate change goals to give markets certainty about investing in green power.
"Developing our huge renewable energy potential could help get us out of the economic doldrums, wean us off fossil fuels and create new green industries and jobs - but reforming the Government's energy policy is essential to make this a reality."
Friends of the Earth believes that a Green Investment Bank and reform of electricity markets should be at the heart of ensuring the UK reaches its renewable energy targets.
Last week Associated British Ports announced that they would build a £100 million deepwater berth in Hull which will provide capacity to handle the next generation of deepwater wind turbines. Likewise, Siemens also announced that it would invest £80m in constructing a wind turbine plant on the same site.
Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. Over 90 per cent of our income comes from individuals so we rely on donations to continue our vital work.
Source: Friends of the Earth
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