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SIMON O’CONNOR / Things
National energy and resources spokesman Jonathan Young outlines his policy at New Plymouth’s Pace Engineering on Friday.
National will repeal the Resource Management Law, promote the use of carbon capture and storage and support “responsible” mining if it wins the October elections.
Jonathan Young, who is National’s spokesman on energy and resources, announced the party’s energy and resources policy on Friday, calling it a “pragmatic” approach.
“It looks to the future, but it’s also about having to live in a realistic world,” he told attendees of the announcement at Pace Engineering in New Plymouth.
If elected, National would adopt a “fuel neutral” energy policy approach, focusing on reducing all energy emissions and reversing the oil and gas ban previously announced by the Labor-led government in April 2018 as part. of a set of measures.
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The policy highlighted how the country had to be open to all technologies as part of a transition to a net zero emissions economy.
Young said the party will continue to support the development of new opportunities such as hydrogen and allow carbon capture and storage to be recognized in the Emissions Trading Scheme.
He said National considers natural gas to be a strategic resource for the overall energy system to ensure stable prices and availability.
SIMON O’CONNOR / Things
Pace Engineering staff were among those present to hear the details of what National’s energy and resource policy would be if they were elected to government.
As part of this, it would begin working on the regulatory changes necessary to import liquefied natural gas to meet the nation’s needs if domestic supply declines.
The party also supported “responsible mining”, which could show a net and positive contribution to the economy, the environment and society.
Young also addressed the need to retain skilled workforce within the energy sector, particularly in Taranaki, as the country transitioned to a low-emission economy.
“I think transition takes time and rushed things have and can have perverse results.”
He said National backed the work Ara Ake (formerly known as the National New Energy Development Center) is doing, which was officially launched in July.
The center is tasked with leading the development of new clean energy technologies, as well as working with businesses to commercialize projects and create jobs.
Earlier this week, and also at an event in New Plymouth, ACT party leader David Seymour announced his party’s energy policy.
It would repeal the Zero Carbon Law and the Emissions Trading Scheme, lift the ban on oil and gas permits, and open up “low-value conservation lands” for mining purposes.
Labor’s energy policy, announced by leader Jacinda Ardern this month, aimed to make 100 percent of New Zealand’s electricity generation renewable by 2030 if elected, achieved by banning new construction of New Zealand power plants. coal or gas, the rise of solar power, and fast track consents for renewable energy projects.
