“We know the country that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will lead the 21st century”
– President Obama, Address to Joint Session of Congress, 24 February 2009.
A new law that will ensure 20% of Australia’s electricity is clean and renewable is due to be voted on next week in the Senate in Canberra.
But this week, key Senators said they want to delay the vote by launching an unnecessary inquiry. This, after the legislation was released for public review way back in December 2008.
Meanwhile, Australia is missing out on new investment and clean energy jobs, and our greenhouse pollution levels continue to rise.
Our parliamentarians have had more than enough time to consider this legislation. It’s time to stop delaying and act on climate change now!
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) is calling on the Senate to stop delaying and VOTE NEXT WEEK for a stronger 25% Renewable Energy Target (RET).
We’re also asking them to remove key loopholes in the Government’s proposal, such as giving big polluters a free ride and making households foot a bill that will reach $300 million per year by 2020!
Join our call – vote for a stronger 25% (RET) by telling one of the below key senators that you care - or tell them all if you really want to be heard!
Nick Xenophon, Independent Senator from South Australia who shares the balance of power in the Senate. Given South Australia has just lifted its State-level RET target to 33% by 2020, he should be aware of the benefits of having strong targets.
David Johnston, Liberal Senator from Western Australia. Opposition spokesperson in the Senate for the Environment and Energy.
Steve Fielding, Victorian Family First Senator who shares the balance of power in the Senate. Family First has stated its support for strengthening renewable energy targets and for a “significant increase in investment in new low emission technology.”
In the next two minutes you can send a clear message – stand up for Australia’s renewable energy future!
The 20% Renewable Energy Target was one of Kevin Rudd’s key promises in the 2007 election. But, 18 months later we’re still waiting for our politicians to pass this vital law.
The more we delay this decision, the more Australia will miss out on new investment and clean energy jobs, and the more our greenhouse pollution levels will continue to rise.
A renewable energy installation, such as a wind farm, creates twice as many jobs over its lifetime as a coal-fired power station does. A 25% RET would deliver at least 16,600 new jobs and more than $33 billion in new investment.
As an example, Australian company Pacific Hydro has just invested in a renewable energy project in Chile that will create 4000 jobs, offshore.
While the Opposition doesn’t yet have a clear position on a RET, just two weeks ago Malcolm Turnbull flagged “a significant renewable energy support package in the near future.”
The Greens and the Independent Senators are supporters of renewable energy.
So, our senators are in favour of renewable energy, we just need them to work together to get on with the job - now!
Join our call for a stronger 25% Renewable Energy Target!
Need more info? Download ACFs media background brief »