Response to Victorian Greens 'Powering Victoria Beyond Coal' policy announcement

In response to the Victorian Greens ‘Powering Victoria Beyond Coal’ policy announcement yesterday, Environment Victoria’s CEO Jono La Nauze said:

“Environment Victoria welcomes the Greens ‘Powering Victoria Beyond Coal’ policy announcement. This policy recognises the existential threat of the climate crisis we are facing and the incredible opportunities for Victoria in the clean energy transition.

“The Greens policy presents a costed pathway for ending polluting coal fired power stations by 2030, powering our state with 100% renewable energy and supporting coal workers through secure long term funding of the Latrobe Valley Authority.

“Under this policy we would see the closure of Yallourn power station by 2024, Loy Yang A in 2027 and Loy Yang B in 2030 – with the requirement that these stations would properly monitor pollutants up until their closure to ensure the local community is protected.

“Environment Victoria has been working closely with the community in the Latrobe Valley, and we recognise the need to boost the efforts of the Latrobe Valley Authority in bringing certainty and security to energy workers and the whole community impacted by the transition.

“The Victorian Greens ‘Powering Victoria Beyond Coal’ policy package builds on the good work of the Victorian Labor government who have supported the expansion of renewable energy and storage whilst laying the foundations for a just transition in the Latrobe Valley – but crucially it brings forward urgently needed coal closure and increases Victoria’s legislated renewable energy target to 100 per cent by 2030.”

“Victoria must capitalise on this moment in political history where a federal government, for the first time in a decade, will assist Victoria and the Latrobe Valley community to accelerate the energy transition in a way that assists our entire community and environment in the long term.”

“These policies would bring Victoria in line with both the Paris climate targets and the International Energy Agency’s call to end the burning of coal by 2030. Although we are still waiting to see more detail, the Victorian Greens policy demonstrates not only what is needed, but also what is possible now for Victoria.

“We call on the major parties to match the Greens ambition by presenting stronger clean energy policies before the November state election.”