Environmentalists horrified by proposed coal to diesel plant
The Save Happy Valley Coalition has expressed its horror at Solid Energy's proposal of a coal to diesel plant in Southland.
"This plant would have a much larger carbon footprint than Marsden B, which was cancelled by a different state-owned enterprise earlier this year. Solid Energy also must drop all plans for lignite extraction from Southland," said Frances Mountier, Save Happy Valley Coalition spokesperson.
Save Happy Valley co-hosted an Alternatives to Minerals forum in Christchurch last night, featuring Antarctic scientist Professor Peter Barrett and Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.
"The industry is currently meeting in Christchurch , and is plotting further exploration in New Zealand. Exploration effectively operates outside of environmental protection or public input structures.
"We have the ability to source 100% of our electricity from renewable sources, and we need to re-examine our usage. Other proposed Solid Energy coal mines, such as that planned for Happy Valley (successfully halted by the Save Happy Valley Coalition for over 18 months so far) are entirely for export. New Zealand needs to say no to new coal mines," said Ms Mountier.
//ENDS
Media Contact
Frances Mountier, Save Happy Valley Coalition spokesperson
021 175 7484
Notes
The Save Happy Valley Coalition is a collection of groups and individuals from around Aotearoa committed to stopping Solid Energy's proposed open cast coal mine in Happy Valley (Upper Waimangaroa Valley ) on the West Coast. They work to raise awareness on climate change in New Zealand. They are also deeply concerned about the fate of all endangered species under threat from Solid Energy, including Powelliphanta "Augustus" at the nearby Stockton mine. The Coalition is made up of West Coast locals, students, workers and the general public. The group has a track record of creative protests and lock-ons as well as producing a variety of informative media. They have been occupying Happy Valley since 28th January 2006. More information about the coalition and its history can be found at http://www.savehappyvalley.org.nz/aboutus.htm
