Freedom Central » environment

The ‘trust deficit’ that threatens a sustainable future for Wales

William Powell AM — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:43:16 +0000

Few would disagree with our essential need to reduce Wales’ dependency on unsustainable fossil fuels. With rates increasing by the day, and no end in sight, it is clear that the status quo benefits no one in Wales. It is squeezing household budgets, it is damaging our environment, and it is jeopardising our economic future.

As the Welsh Liberal Democrats’ Shadow Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development it is my role to work towards a solution to this problem, and to help secure a long-term sustainable strategy for Wales.

This strategy must be different to the years of mismanagement which have preceded it. It must no-longer be defined by electoral cycles and short-term political needs. Instead it must act to reform existing legislation so that it is clear, consistent, and fair. It must act to address the trust deficit which has grown between rural communities and government. And it must act to invest in our renewable energy industries so they can help us reach our goals and safeguard Welsh jobs for decades to come.

Looking first to legislation, it is clear that the elephant in the room remains TAN 8. Despite containing several positive proposals, its obvious shortcomings mean that revisions are necessary if it is ever going to serve as a meaningful guide to the future. Although the Welsh Liberal Democrats remain committed to expanding off-shore renewable energy projects, we understand that a multifaceted approach is the only way we can reach the target of reducing our carbon footprint 75% by 2050.

This approach must not be limited to power generation. We must reduce our consumption around the home. This is why organisations like the Energy Saving Trust are so important to our economy, and why the Welsh Liberal Democrats continue to support their campaigns. However, we need a strategy which recognises the fact that conservation is only part of the solution. As such, on-shore wind farms must also play their part.

For too long we have allowed junk science and misinformation to dominate discussions around on-shore wind developments, and for even longer we have ignored the voices of local communities in the decision making process. Taken together these practices have contributed to the trust deficit which now threatens Wales’ sustainable future, and it is only through addressing both sides that a viable solution can be found.

We need to follow the lead of places like Scotland, and establish a meaningful public consultation process. A process which informs the public about the realities of renewable energy; while also providing the forum for the public to air their concerns to government and industry.

However, more than anything else we need a long-term sustainable strategy which admits the fact that renewable energy is about more than the environment alone. It is about our economy and it is about jobs. This is why I continue to call for immediate action to reform our planning laws so that world leading renewable industries don’t abandon Wales entirely. We need to change these laws so more voices are heard in the planning process, and we need to change them so that firm decisions are made within reasonable timeframes.

In an unfavourable economy with high rates of unemployment, the renewable energy sector is an avenue Wales must pursue. We need to work towards establishing a profitable base upon which these industries can flourish. As an Assembly we need to invest in the supply chain which is needed to support these industries, and allow them to export their products across Wales and beyond.

Wales has the capacity to lead the world in energy generation in a way never seen before. We were once the global centre for high-carbon industry, and now we have the opportunity to do it again with low-carbon. We must not let this opportunity pass us by.

Cross posted with ITV Wales blogs

Minister confirms investigation into other potential hazards after Fforestfach tyre fire

Peter Black — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:48:43 +0000

The Welsh Environment Minister has confirmed in a letter to me that the Environment Agency has started a review of sites across Wales that may present a similar fire risk to the recent conflagration on the Fforestfach Industrial Estate in Swansea.

Up to 5,000 tonnes of shredded tyre waste on the old Mettoy site in Fforestfach took 23 days to put out at a projected cost to the local Council of £1.5 million after it caught fire on 16 June this year. The fire caused traffic chaos in the City, whilst an investigation has got underway into possible health effects on the local population.

The Minister writes that the Environment Agency review will involve a proactive programme of visits to identify and mitigate potential risks in partnership with the Police and the Fire and Rescue Service. He says that it will take between two and three months to complete the initial visits.

This is the first official admission that the Environment Agency has a list of hazardous sites, which I believe included the Fforestfach fire factory. What is disturbing is that although there was clearly some monitoring of the sites this appeared to be very much a paper exercise. It took a massive and disruptive fire to get the Environment Agency to sit up and take action to ensure that the sites are secure and do not pose a risk to the public.

I am pleased that action is now being taken but a three month work programme now does not inspire much confidence in the future security of these sites. It all seems to be too little too late. I will be writing back to the Minister to ask him to provide more details about the long term security of these sites and what action is being taken to ensure that the hazardous material dumped on them is being properly and safely disposed of.

Adding to the Welsh Government’s carbon footprint

Freedom Central — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 10:01:16 +0000

This morning’s Western Mail reports that the Welsh Environment Minister is planning to follow in his predecessor’s footprints and jet halfway across the world to talk about climate change.

Jane Davidson sparked controversy last year when she attended a climate change summit in Cancun, Mexico which failed to come up with the comprehensive agreement on carbon emission cuts hoped for by environmental activists and some governments. Now John Griffiths, a policy official and a private secretary will be travelling from Cardiff to Quebec City for the three-day conference which begins on August 29.

The Welsh Conservative Shadow Environment Minister has complained that the Welsh Labour Government was nowhere near meeting its pledge to contribute to the UK Government’s target of a 20% reduction in carbon emissions by 2010. He has pointed out that the latest figures show Wales is being outstripped by England and Scotland, having reduced emissions by a mere 2.6% below 1990 levels.

He is right that taxpayers will be seeking reassurances from Welsh Labour ministers that this trip to Quebec will result in the development of new policies to cut greenhouse gases in Wales rather than simply adding to Wales’ carbon footprint. However, there may also be questions about his policies too.

The Welsh Conservatives have stood resolutely against every proposal of the Welsh Government to reduce carbon emissions since the elections and have not yet come up with alternatives of their own.

WWF Cymru report shows we are lagging behind

Freedom Central — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:59:43 +0000

The BBC say that a report by WWF shows the Welsh Government is failing to meet some of its key carbon emissions reduction aims in areas such as economic development, transport and housing.

A separate report from the UK Committee on Climate Change on the most recent emissions data available shows a fall in Scotland of 2.9% and 0.4% in Northern Ireland but an increase of 4.7% in Wales for 2008.

Commenting, William Powell, Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Mid & West Wales said:

“The Welsh Government has consistently congratulated itself on its sustainability record. But this report shows we are lagging behind.

“According to the Energy Savings Trust there are half a million homes in Wales which require loft insulation and a quarter of a million homes which need cavity wall insulation. The Welsh Liberal Democrats argue for much more focus on helping households save money and energy by radically increasing our investment in energy efficiency.

“In addition, the government must use its new law making powers to introduce a Bill to improve public transport and re-regulate the buses.”

Spoke put in cycle path plan

Freedom Central — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:48:05 +0000

The Western Mail reports that Welsh Government plans to introduce a new law compelling local authorities to create new cycle routes have been ridiculed by a former council leader:

Jeff Jones, the former Labour leader of Bridgend council, said research published this month suggested that most people would not contemplate cycling as a means of transport.

He pointed out that an author of the report, Dave Horton of Lancaster University, said: “Most people barely recognise the bicycle as a legitimate form of transport. It is either a toy for children or a vehicle fit for the poor and or strange. For them cycling is a bit embarrassing.”

Mr Jones also referred to statistics which suggest that only 2% of journeys are made by bicycle in the UK compared to 25% in Holland. He said: “If this is to improve we need to spend millions building dedicated cycle lanes at a cost of £800,000 a kilometre in our cities according to the Lancaster University study.

“On the other hand this could be yet again one of those examples of gesture politics to show that Wales is leading the way. Either way, it will probably only prove to Joe Public that the Assembly has a weird sense of priorities given the problems facing most people.”

William Powell backs revision of TAN 8

Freedom Central — Mon, 30 May 2011 04:31:14 +0000

William Powell, the Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Mid & West Wales, has backed protestors in calling for a revision of planning guidance on wind farm developments.

Speaking to a rally last week he said: “Welsh Liberal Democrats are clear that we need to work much harder to reduce our energy consumption and finder cleaner and sustainable ways of generating electricity. But whilst Wales must find way of reducing our over reliance on fossil fuels, this cannot be at the expense of our countryside.

“The hub and transmission power lines that are currently threatening Mid Wales are poorly conceived and the electricity companies need to go back to the drawing board.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats are clear that we want to see greater investment in offshore tidal and wind resources, where developments do not affect populations, and promote small scale community renewable energy schemes, rather than large scale projects.

“Unlike the Conservatives who made no commitment whatsoever in their Manifesto on Tan 8, the Welsh Liberal Democrats are committed to a revision of TAN 8 to ensure that it does not put so much pressure on rural mid Wales and that community organisations benefit directly from the money generated by new wind developments.

“We have seen jobs lost as a result of the economic downturn, but the green energy industry is expanding. Many skilled young people are finding work in this new hi-tech sector. So we mustn’t reject wind energy entirely but with careful planning and open debate that takes into account the views of all parties and individuals, I strongly believe we can meet the need for more sustainable energy in a way that is sensitive to local communities.”

Drilling for gas

Freedom Central — Tue, 24 May 2011 07:26:45 +0000

This morning’s Western Mail reports that drilling for shale gas in South Wales came a step closer last night when a cross-party group of MPs gave it the green light and rejected safety concerns:

The Energy and Climate Change committee concluded drilling will not endanger drinking water if properly regulated and should not be stopped.

No evidence was found that the controversial method of extracting underground gas poses a threat to water supplies and objections were described as “hot air”.

The green light from the MPs has encouraged Coastal Oil and Gas to push ahead with exploration in South Wales. An application for exploratory drilling at St John’s Colliery in Maesteg has been approved and the company will reapply for permission to drill at Llandow in the Vale of Glamorgan.

These applications have proved to be enormously controversial and the Committee’s report will lead to much disappointment amongst campaigners:

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Whilst this technology is well established, with strict regulatory, safety and environmental systems, we fully recognise that there are concerns about the potential impacts of this form of gas extraction. We will therefore consider the findings of this report in detail, and, together with the UK Government and its regulatory agencies, examine the experiences of shale gas drilling in other countries.”

Labour and Plaid under fire over Ieuan Air again

Freedom Central — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 09:53:47 +0000

An environmental charity has said that businesses are cutting back on flights and the Assembly Government should stop subsidising the North-South air link.

According to the Western Mail research by WWF found nearly half (47%) of companies had cut back on plane journeys over the past two years and 85% did not intend to return to “business as usual” flying.

Businesses stated that benefits of avoiding air travel included having fewer staff away from the office and greater staff productivity.

A full 63% of companies now have a policy in place to reduce business flights or are intending to develop one.

Anne Meikle of WWF Cymru said: “It’s great that at least some good news has come out of the recession, with companies realising that cutting business flights can be both good for the planet and good for business. Businesses get it – they can fly less and still be profitable and competitive.

“Yet the Welsh Assembly Government is encouraging flying. WWF Cymru believes that this is contrary to the WAG’s vision for a low-carbon economy.”

Ms Meikle said: “The Welsh Assembly Government should support these findings by investing in high-speed broadband, supporting a videoconferencing network for Wales and improving and investing in the rail network.”

This view reflects the position of the Welsh Liberal Democrats on these flights. Economic Development spokesperson, Jenny Randerson said:

“It is an environmental and financial outrage.

“This controversial air link not only pumps thousands of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere but has already cost the Welsh taxpayer £3.2m in public subsidy.

“We want to see a transport policy that serves the many in Wales, not the privileged few.”

Welsh Lib Dem Housing Spokesperson backs Green Deal

Freedom Central — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 04:40:24 +0000

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Housing, Peter Black AM, has told delegates at their autumn conference that we need a Green Deal for homes in Wales.

Speaking at a fringe hosted by WWF Cymru, Mr. Black has praised the UK Government’s commitment to radically overhaul the energy efficiency of homes across the UK. The investment will stimulate the Green Economy with small businesses, supporting a quarter of a million jobs over the next 20 years.

The Green Deal will make energy efficiency affordable for all, whether people own or rent their property by attaching the upfront finance to the building’s energy meter. People can pay back over time with the repayments less than the savings on bills, meaning many will benefit from day one. It will help save carbon, energy and money off fuel bills.

Mr. Black said:

“Retrofitting the UK’s Housing Stock through the Green Deal puts Wales in a win, win situation. Not only will we kick start our third industrial revolution, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, but we will improve the health of our communities, especially those vulnerable people experiencing fuel poverty. In addition we will also be tackling climate change, reducing emissions from one of the biggest emitters in the UK, our homes.

“Whether the Green Deal is a UK wide programme or devolved to Wales, Welsh Liberal Democrats in Government will do all they can to promote it to Welsh people. businesses and training organisations and help them develop the tools and skills needed to deliver the programme. “

Welsh Government’s commitment to sustainability called into doubt again

Freedom Central — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 07:15:10 +0000

The Western Mail reports on claims by transport campaigners that the Welsh Government has failed to implement its own sustainable travel policies at three new offices.

The Government wants employers to encourage staff to use public transport and has also ordered councils to promote car-sharing, walking and cycling. But despite calling on others to adopt such policies, the vast majority of staff commuting to the Welsh Government’s new offices in Merthyr Tydfil, Llandudno Junction and Aberystwyth still travel by car. Campaigners have now accused ministers of failing to turn rhetoric into action.

Car use has been fuelled by the fact that employees who receive relocation expenses for driving further to work at the new sites cannot claim that allowance for occasional commuting by public transport. Staff also take their own cars to work because the Government has no pool cars for business journeys from the new offices.

One insider says that “There’s a view that the Assembly has got to get its own house in order if they’re going to be listened to.

“I would pay tribute to the individuals involved in trying to get people to use other modes, instead of the car, but they’re frustrated by some of these existing rules.

“The only way we’re going to get anywhere is to give people incentives to do the right thing.

“At the moment the Assembly gives them incentives to do the wrong thing – you get a free parking space and a generous mileage allowance.”