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Photo: ODT files
Photo: ODT files
National wants to reverse the Government's ban on oil and gas exploration.

National's energy policy released today sets out the party's plan to back "responsible" mining and to investigate new technologies like carbon capture and storage to transition to a net-zero emissions economy.

Energy and resources spokesperson Jonathan Young said National's pragmatic plan is better for the environment and would lower power bills.

Young said National will ensure energy is affordable and the country is less dependent on coal.

"Labour's decision to shut the door on future oil and gas exploration has been estimated to cost the New Zealand economy $30 billion and 3000 jobs in Taranaki alone.

"Over the past two years we have witnessed a steady increase in energy prices and increased consumption of imported coal as a result of Labour's ill-thought-out oil and gas ban."

Young said National supported responsible mining that made a positive contribution to the economy and the environment.

"National will deliver pragmatic energy policy that is better for the environment and consumers' bank balances."

If elected, the party  promised to support a case-by-case assessment for mining proposals on lower quality conservation land that provided a "net-conservation benefit".

Young said National would also repeal the Resource Management Act and introduce a new environmental legal and regulatory framework that is less complex and provides more certainty to stakeholders.

The general election will be held on October 17.

Comments

Hahahahaha. Ntnl doesn't give a hoot about the environment, unless it brings them more money, or popularity... Guess what.
All they want is is going back in the past, as conservatives do, without learning anything, sacrificing anything. Those days are over. Fortunately.

Please, everyone, with some sacrifice we will get through all this, as long as we put the relevance of Nature and Humans at par. Vote wisely, please, give yourself that perhaps sober future, instead of returning to a disastrous past.

All the political parties care about the environment, to some degree.
I'm not sure how transporting gas from overseas to NZ at an estimate 30% higher price, with the emissions required to do so helps the environment.
I'm also unsure how burning more coal (imported too) since the ban on new permits for NZ exploration has improved the environment.
Perhaps the consequences of the current policy have not been thought through? Then again, it was not even put to cabinet before being announced and didn't go through the usual months of expensive working group that usually occurs.
Being seen to be green isn't caring for the environment, nor the people who's livelihoods depend on the industries that get shut down without any cost benefit analysis.
We need some fossil fuel as we are nuclear free and there has to be a cost effective efficient backup for when there isn't enough water storage, wind or sun that renewable energy sources provide, particularly if we are all supposed to have electric cars or catch electric trains and buses.
For sure, think about the environment when voting however, take in all the effects of the parties policies when weighing up the choices.