Boosting clean energy drives a wedge between Victoria’s major parties

Environment Victoria has welcomed today’s announcement that Victorian Labor will continue to drive Victoria’s transition to clean energy and away from polluting coal by raising Victoria’s Renewable Energy Target (VRET) if it wins this month’s election.

“Victoria has taken huge steps on renewable energy in the last four years, it’s good to see government ambition now going even further,” said Mark Wakeham, CEO of Environment Victoria.

“Continuing to raise the VRET sends a clear, long-term signal, which will help secure ongoing clean energy investment in our state and create thousands of jobs across regional Victoria.

“Right now we have a pipeline of over 4400 MW renewables projects in early stages of development. That’s enough renewable energy to power over 6.6 million homes by the middle of the next decade and avoid over 15 million tonnes of carbon pollution every year.

“Victoria’s renewables industry is booming, and has the capacity to deliver significantly more than 50% of our energy needs by 2030. However what we’re most worried about is Matthew Guy’s plan to scrap the VRET if the Liberals win this month’s election.

“The Victorian Liberals actively voted against stronger climate laws, consistently objected to plans to increase renewable energy and have vowed to keep polluting coal power stations open as long as possible.

“This week Matthew Guy went even further telling people in the Latrobe Valley he wants to build a new coal-burning power station.

“This would destroy the state’s renewable energy industry and lock us into a polluting form of power, precisely when the IPCC is telling us we need to retire coal as quickly as possible to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

“The Liberal’s plan is not only dangerous for our environment, but it will drive up power prices and cost thousands of regional jobs.

“Credible climate policy determines whether a party is fit to govern. Coming to the election with an ideologically driven position on clean energy, and no climate or emissions policy is guaranteed to cost Matthew Guy votes and the Liberal party credibility,” said Mr Wakeham.