Government to accelerate clean energy drive

Responding to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s announcement of new measures to speed up the roll out of clean energy which is expected today, Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth, said:

“With oil and gas prices spiralling once again due to war and insecurity, the government is right that protecting people from future price shocks must mean a rapid switch to cheap, clean, homegrown renewable energy.

“But this must come alongside a stronger windfall tax on the excess profits of the fossil fuel industry to ensure everyone can benefit from the roll out of green power and the energy efficiency measures needed to insulate the UK’s heat-leaking homes. Those most at risk, including people living on low incomes and with high energy needs, should also receive extra financial support with their bills ahead of next winter.

“The only people who benefit from keeping us hooked on fossil fuels are the billionaires and oil and gas giants reaping record profits as instability spreads and the climate crisis escalates. We need fair, green solutions that cut ordinary people’s energy bills and make the polluters pay for the crises they’re causing.”

*** Ends