Big public response on Roxby
Adelaide now 9 August 09August 08, 2009
THE State Government will deliver two reports on BHP Billiton’s proposed expansion of Olympic Dam mine because of the sheer number of responses to the company’s environmental impact statement.
Premier Mike Rann said the Government had already completed a draft submission, but would produce a second after it had sorted through the 3950 responses.
“The EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) has generated a significant public response and we believe the Government should take into account those views before making its own final submission,” he said.
Many public submissions on BHPB’s plan to expand uranium mine
Australian climate bill inadequate, but gives some hope
US and Australian climate bills: necessary evils
Green Left 9 August 2009
Australia’s climate bill has been widely reported. Treasury modelling shows it has many similarities to the US bill. On paper, the Australian bill is more serious about renewable power with a 20% target for 2020 and 50% by 2050.The emission reduction target is seen as depending heavily on carbon capture and storage, a non-existent technology. Australia’s Gross Domestic Product is still expected to grow 200% by 2050. Without the bill, GDP growth would be only 6% higher.The US and Australian schemes’ targets are modest, especially in the early years, and are projected to rely on unproven technologies. With growing consumption and risky high-tech generation, it is likely the schemes will have to adapt to achieve projected emission cuts……………………To sum up: the two bills as currently framed propose minimalist short-term actions to meet current political expectations. There is no hint of a change to the “material growth is good” mindset.
Although grand designs are presented for the longer term, the reality is that it is left for future generations to sort things out. Concerned environmentalists should do anything and everything to draw attention to this.
However, the Australian Greens — and other independent elected representatives with legislative clout — need to seriously consider passing Australia’s bill because it can be adjusted to play a more meaningful role in the future.
What is the alternative? Delay and you play into the hands of those who profit from deferment. Delay and risk weaker bills from post-honeymoon administrations. Delay and you defer technological and auditing improvements. Delay and risk removing yourself from the agenda that you spent blood, sweat and tears creating. Don’t delay.
Green Left – US and Australian climate bills: necessary evils
1 This month
of the week – Disrupting War & Militarism in Oceania. Active solidarity. Radical practice.
Antinuclear 