Turn Our Sky Green Says MEP

EURO MP Fiona Hall has launched a scathing attack on the government’s green credentials, accusing it of trying to wriggle out of biofuels commitments and undermining Teesside’s economy.

The LibDem MEP for the North-east, slammed its attempt to exclude the aviation industry from tough targets to reduce emissions from fossil fuels, citing it as just the latest example of ‘underhand’ attempts to evade the EU’s Renewables Directive.

Only last week, Durham Tees Valley Airport carrier AirFrance KLM announced an agreement that would see it cut emissions by 3% in four years and by 17% by 2020 as it worked towards introducing biofuel- powered engines in partnership with nine other airlines.

The EU has set a target of 20% of energy to come from renewables by 2020, but the government argues that it is unlikely that technology will be in place by then for aircraft to comply.

Mrs Hall, who sits on the Industry, Research and Energy committee in the European Parliament said: “Whether or not suitable biofuels for aircraft will be available before 2020 is irrelevant. This is just the latest smokescreen by the Government in its attempts to weaken efforts to tackle climate change. The Government should knuckle down to meeting its commitments instead of trying to evade them.”

She said Labour was letting down the North-east, which was the region set to gain most from growth in the renewable energy sector and green collar jobs.

Meanwhile, Teesside could benefit from news that the world’s largest tidal-powered energy farmwas heading for British waters, comprising 60 underwater turbines.

For more on this story, see tomorrow’s nebusiness

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