Filed under: Uncategorized
The Democrats have an entire page on climate change which is encouraging. The basic summary is as follows, but have a look around the whole page and tell us what you think.
Democrats Action Agenda
1. Ratify the Kyoto Protocol and ensure Australia plays an active and positive role in developing a multilateral response to climate change through the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), including binding commitments and measures to enable all nations to adapt to the effects of climate Establish a Sustainable Energy Commissioner
2. Amend the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000 (Cwlth) to increase the mandatory renewable energy target to an additional 20% by 2020 and 50% by 2050;
3. Amend the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to include triggers ensuring: > all new and substantially redeveloped power stations require Commonwealth approval; national emission standards for all power stations; and > all Commonwealth government grants are subject to an environmental assessment and approval;
4. Introduce legislation that incorporates Australia’s obligations under the FCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, including: > mandating specified emissions reduction targets; > a national greenhouse strategy outlining how targets will be met; > annual statements to the Parliament on emission levels; and, > emission reduction targets for all Commonwealth agencies;
5. Develop an AusAid greenhouse program to provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries, particularly Pacific island states, to assist with emission reduction and climate change adaptation;
6. Introduce a carbon levy, and an emissions trading marketplace framework;
7. Keep exercise off alternative fuels and phase in the mandate on 10% ethanol fuels. Remove the 10% cap on ethanol blends
8. Invest in compressed natural gas refuelling stations;
9. Provide incentives to motorists and auto manufacturers to take-up fuel efficient cars
10. Invest in better public transport, bike/walk ways and freight rail.
11. Mandatory energy performance standards within the Building Code of Australia for all new and substantially refurbished commercial and residential buildings;
12. Establish a national Voluntary Code of Practice on Building Efficiency to encourage “best practice” for all new and substantially refurbished commercial and residential buildings, backed by tax incentives;
13. Continue indefinitely the photovoltaic rebate scheme;
14. Re-fund renewable energy Cooperative Research Centres;
15. Set greenpower targets for electricity retailers; and,
16. Profide renewable energy industry assistance for Australian companies to capture at least 5% of the global market by 2015.(see Fuel and Transport for more)
Australian DemocratsClimate Change
Blogged with Flock
