“Fossil Fool” Energy Minister Ignores Climate Change and the Economy

The Tasmanian Greens today described Energy Minister Groom as a “fossil fool” who was intent on taking Tasmania down a reckless and dangerous path of increasing carbon emissions and financial risk.

Greens leader and Energy Spokesperson Kim Booth MP was responding to statements made by Minister Groom to the Energy Users Association breakfast

“ I am not sure what was in Mr Grooms Weeties this morning but if reports are correct then Tasmania is on a dangerous path of increasing Carbon emissions and huge economic risk” said Mr Booth.

“To talk about increasing the use of gas is code for fracking and to even contemplate a second Basslink to give power away is downright dangerous for the economy”

“Make no mistake, if this mad cap so called strategy proceeds, Tasmanians can look forward to increased power bills and higher carbon emissions which their children will suffer from”

“With falling demand, falling prices and increased dispersed generation with in particular solar PV cells, there is a real risk that Tasmania could be bankrupted by the creation on a stranded asset”

“Instead, Tasmania is ideally placed to keep the surplus power at home and provide for 100% renewable power at the cheapest long term prices to lower the cost of living and drive the change to plug in electric and compressed air cars”

“The current Basslink bungle is costing $93 million per year to rent the cable, not to mention the energy lost in transmission”

“In addition the wind farms sold to the Chinese company Shenhua are losing $98 million over 6 years due to secret deal sweeteners to hide the real sale price”

“It is of concern that the Greens were refused the opportunity to address the forum which from all reports was an embarrassing spectacle of Labor and Liberal agreeing with each other”

“The Greens in parliament got the Electricity expert review in place which a cursory reading of shows that this so called strategy is the wrong way to go” Mr Booth said.
Kim Booth MP | Greens Leader and Energy Spokesperson