SYDNEY, Wednesday 16 October 2024 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific has condemned Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s election commitment to prolong the country’s use of fossil fuels by including gas in the Capacity Investment Scheme.
In a speech on Tuesday to the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association convention, the Coalition’s energy spokesperson Ted O’Brien said the Opposition would underwrite new gas power projects using a mechanism currently only available to renewable energy projects.
Geoff Bice, WA Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific said the move would only benefit gas corporations like Woodside, not Australians and the planet.
“Dutton’s latest wild idea to take taxpayer funds earmarked for renewables and instead spend them on dirty gas would be a massive backstep for climate action in Australia.
“In the grip of a cost of living crisis, the government should be investing in cutting energy bills and supporting the rapid rollout of clean and affordable wind and solar power — not bankrolling gas companies.
“Gas is a dangerous and polluting fossil fuel driving climate change, and 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record. We need a bold and ambitious plan to phase out gas entirely, not burn more of it.
“A recent US study shows the total climate pollution from LNG is 33% greater than coal over a 20-year period. The Coalition needs to get its head out of the sand and stop ignoring the massive climate footprint of Australia’s gas industry.
“The Coalition’s slapdash approach to attack the renewables transition is climate denial in action. This latest attempt to shore up the gas industry reveals its true intentions – it wants to drain taxpayer money to burn more fossil fuels and it’s no longer afraid to hide it.”
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