12th May 2006The passing of the Climate and Change Sustainable Bill through its Third Reading in the House of Commons today was warmly welcomed by micropower and energy efficiency industry groups and environment NGOs. The Bill has enjoyed widespread cross party support in Parliament and is backed by all the major environmental and fuel poverty NGOs and all the relevant trade associations, acting through the Sustainable Energy Partnership. Dave Sowden, Chief Executive of the Micropower Council said: ‘Today is a very important step towards turning the UK into a low carbon economy and should be celebrated by consumers and industry alike. Microgeneration has the power to motivate and engage people to do something about changing their behaviour and limiting climate emissions. This Bill, together with the Microgeneration Strategy unveiled by the Government at the end of March will help put in place the policies to make low cost microgeneration for all become a reality’. Friends of the Earth climate campaigner, Katie Elliott said: ‘Climate change is the greatest threat the planet faces. The UK government must introduce urgent measures to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions. This bill will help to promote small-scale generation up and down the country - helping in the fight against climate change. Mark Lazarowicz should be commended for his hard work in getting this bill through. But what a shame that the Government couldn't find the time to introduce such measures themselves’. Andrew Warren, Director of the Association for the Conservation of Energy said; ‘Today is a most important step towards turning the UK into a genuine low carbon economy’. Ron Bailey, Partnership Organiser for the Sustainable Energy Partnership said: ‘I am delighted that the Bill has cleared its last hurdle as it contains a number of measures which tackle climate change, promote renewable energy and microgeneration. It will also help alleviate fuel poverty and has the support of all the major environment and fuel poverty NGOs, as well as all the major trade associations and from local government’. Notes: The Bill completed its Third Reading in the House of Commons today and now passes immediately to the House of Lords. You can get a copy of the Bill here The Bill is a Private Members Bill promoted by Labour/Co-op MP Mark Lazarowicz. More details at www.marklazarowicz.org.uk The Government published its microgeneration strategy “Our Energy Challenge: Power from the People” on March 28th 2006. Read the Micropower Council's description of the combined effect of the Bill and the government's Microgeneration Strategy A recent report by the Sustainable Development Commission (an advisory body to the Government) said that the DTI should “set a 2020 target for roll-out of microgeneration across new and existing homes”. “I Will if you Will: Towards Sustainable Consumption” For further information: ENDS Jane Vaus Head of Media and External Affairs Tel: 0207 924 0795 Mobile: 077480 10447 |
