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The Premier today announced the Government would legislate to reduce Tasmania’s greenhouse gas emissions as part of a comprehensive new framework to tackle climate change – one of the State Government’s key priorities in Agenda 2008.
“We’re drawing a line in the sand for the sake of future generations,” Mr Lennon said.
Mr Lennon said the Government would introduce legislation in the first half of this year which sets an emissions reduction target for the State of 60% of 1990 levels by 2050.
We will become only the second state in Australia to legislate reduction targets.
The Bill will also establish a new Tasmanian Climate Action Council that reports directly to the Premier.
“This will be a high-level, independent Council that will play a key role in monitoring and reporting on Tasmania’s performance against its reduction targets,” Mr Lennon said.
“Respected environmental academic Dr Kate Crowley will be the inaugural chair of the Council and other members will come from science, industry, government and the broader community.”
The Premier today tabled in Parliament Dr Crowley’s Framework for Action for Reducing the Tasmanian Government’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
The Framework sets out six areas for action:
· An audit of the Government’s greenhouse gas emissions;
· Design of a monitoring and reporting system for emissions;
· Setting of emissions targets for Government agencies;
· Action to reduce emissions;
· A program empowering Government employees to generate ideas for climate change action in their workplaces; and
· A process to evaluate and review climate change initiatives and programs.
“The Government will implement all of the priorities in Dr Crowley’s framework and we have already begun taking action,” Mr Lennon said.
“Tenders for the emissions audit and design of the monitoring and reporting system are currently being considered.
“I believe the Government car fleet’s greenhouse emissions should be taken to task and I announce today that the Government vehicle fleet will be carbon neutral by July, 2010.
“Minimum greenhouse ratings for new fleet vehicles will be introduced straight away, starting with my ministerial car, and more hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles will be ordered.
“We will be moving immediately, in a partnership with Greening Australia, to offset the carbon emissions produced through government air travel. This is the first such partnership between Greening Australia and a state government anywhere in Australia.
“To improve energy efficiency of Government buildings, Cabinet will consider a report by 30 June, 2008 on the installation and use of solar panels and solar hot water systems as alternative energy sources on major Government-owned buildings.”
Mr Lennon said implementing Dr Crowley’s framework was just one element of the Government's climate change agenda.
“The climate change strategy for the State is being finalised and will be released in the coming months,” the Premier said.
Mr Lennon pledged his Government would continue to act on climate change throughout the year ahead.
“Tasmania must do its part to help combat the greatest environmental, economic and social challenge of our time,” he said.
Further information:
Tasmanian Government Communications UnitPhone: (03) 6233 6573
“We’re drawing a line in the sand for the sake of future generations,” Mr Lennon said.
Mr Lennon said the Government would introduce legislation in the first half of this year which sets an emissions reduction target for the State of 60% of 1990 levels by 2050.
We will become only the second state in Australia to legislate reduction targets.
The Bill will also establish a new Tasmanian Climate Action Council that reports directly to the Premier.
“This will be a high-level, independent Council that will play a key role in monitoring and reporting on Tasmania’s performance against its reduction targets,” Mr Lennon said.
“Respected environmental academic Dr Kate Crowley will be the inaugural chair of the Council and other members will come from science, industry, government and the broader community.”
The Premier today tabled in Parliament Dr Crowley’s Framework for Action for Reducing the Tasmanian Government’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
The Framework sets out six areas for action:
· An audit of the Government’s greenhouse gas emissions;
· Design of a monitoring and reporting system for emissions;
· Setting of emissions targets for Government agencies;
· Action to reduce emissions;
· A program empowering Government employees to generate ideas for climate change action in their workplaces; and
· A process to evaluate and review climate change initiatives and programs.
“The Government will implement all of the priorities in Dr Crowley’s framework and we have already begun taking action,” Mr Lennon said.
“Tenders for the emissions audit and design of the monitoring and reporting system are currently being considered.
“I believe the Government car fleet’s greenhouse emissions should be taken to task and I announce today that the Government vehicle fleet will be carbon neutral by July, 2010.
“Minimum greenhouse ratings for new fleet vehicles will be introduced straight away, starting with my ministerial car, and more hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles will be ordered.
“We will be moving immediately, in a partnership with Greening Australia, to offset the carbon emissions produced through government air travel. This is the first such partnership between Greening Australia and a state government anywhere in Australia.
“To improve energy efficiency of Government buildings, Cabinet will consider a report by 30 June, 2008 on the installation and use of solar panels and solar hot water systems as alternative energy sources on major Government-owned buildings.”
Mr Lennon said implementing Dr Crowley’s framework was just one element of the Government's climate change agenda.
“The climate change strategy for the State is being finalised and will be released in the coming months,” the Premier said.
Mr Lennon pledged his Government would continue to act on climate change throughout the year ahead.
“Tasmania must do its part to help combat the greatest environmental, economic and social challenge of our time,” he said.
Further information:
Tasmanian Government Communications UnitPhone: (03) 6233 6573
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