Press release – 17 May, 2015Monday 18 May, 2015, Sydney: Today’s announcement of a deal between the federal government and opposition to cut the Renewable Energy Target from 41,000 GWh to 33,000 GWh is bad news for Australian households and a backwards step for vital action on climate change.’Australia is the sunniest country in the world and one of the windiest. In a world where action to prevent dangerous climate change is more important than ever, we should be making the most of this natural advantage instead of cutting a successful program like the RET,’ said Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner, Nikola Casule.
Since 2001, the RET has delivered over $20 billion of investment in renewable energy and has created 24,000 new jobs. In its current form it is forecast to cut average annual household electricity bills by $50 by 2020, and by up to $140 after 2020.
‘A cut to the RET is a betrayal of Australian households facing rising power prices and a slap in the face of workers in the renewable energy industry some of whose jobs are now at risk.’
The government has also proposed including the burning of native forest waste biomass under the scheme, a measure opposed by Greenpeace and a wide coalition of environmental groups.
‘Right now, the government is formulating Australia’s post-2020 emissions targets, with Labor arguing for greater ambition in reducing Australia’s carbon pollution. Given the substantial reduction in our carbon emissions which will be needed to keep global warming to a safe level, Ministers Hunt and Macfarlane should be doing all they can to encourage more solar and wind power in Australia.’
‘Cutting the RET at this critical time is exactly the wrong thing to do,’ said Casule.
For interviews or more information, contact:  Nikola Casule 0428 769 307