Good initiatives at risk under polluter subsidy plans

Greenpeace welcomes today's Green Party announcement that all state houses will be properly insulated within five years but warned initiatives like this could be at risk if big polluters get their way. 

"This is just the kind of smart initiative New Zealand needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, tackle energy poverty and have healthier homes,” said Greenpeace Climate Campaigner Susannah Bailey. “It's also the kind of initiative that will be harder to fund if the Government insists on subsidising big business polluters with free pollution credits."

"Greenpeace has been calling for greater investment in households to help people adapt to a more climate-friendly economy. Surveys show New Zealanders are willing to play their part in tackling climate change. This kind of assistance will help them do so.

“But if the Government insists on subsidising big business polluters with free pollution credits, this kind of progressive initiative will be harder to fund.”

The Government announced last week it will give away more free pollution credits to loud business lobbies. It will do so by delaying the start of the phase-out period for the free pollution credits under the emissions trading scheme and delaying the transport sector’s introduction into the scheme.

“It is crucial that Labour and National do not cave in to demands by big business to further subsidise their pollution. This will only defer funding of other progressive policies to assist ordinary New Zealanders in the transition to a low carbon economy.”