SOUTH AUSTRALIA TO LEGISLATE FOR DEEP CUTS

There is an amazing amount of bullshit with regards climate change comming out of Australia, it beats event the USA at times, this therefore is a great piece of news from my point of view.

South Australian Premier Mike Rann will introduce legislation after parliament opens on April 27 to mandate long term reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

“This will be the first Government in Australia to ensure that it will be a requirement of law that we reduce greenhouse gases by 60 per cent by 2050,” Premier Rann said.

“The best way to make sure we reduce the flow of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is to legislate to make it happen.

“Anyone who believes that climate change is not a very real and present danger is kidding themselves and this Government will not walk away from its responsibilities to do all we can to combat it.”

The new greenhouse gas legislation will:
> Set a target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent by 2050.
> Set up a voluntary carbon offset program for business and government.
> Trigger annual reporting by the Minister for Environment on progress with combating climate change.

The Premier, who recently assumed the role of Minister for Climate Change said he wanted the State to be second only to Denmark in the amount of wind generation it has in place.

“We now have 51 per cent of the nation's wind power capacity, with a $1 billion investment in wind power, and more than 45 per cent of Australia’s grid-connected solar power.

“Given that we will likely reach our target of sourcing 15 per cent of electricity from renewable energy by the end of this year, we have increased our goal to 20 per cent - within a decade.

“We intend to make 50 per cent of State Government cars more environmentally friendly fuels by 2010 – stopping more than 2000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, and saving $3.7 million in fuel every year.

“Our schools and public buildings are being fitted with solar power.”

Eminent climate change expert Californian-based Professor Stephen Schneider has just arrived in Adelaide as the State’s latest Thinker in Residence.

Premier Rann said Prof Schneider will provide advice on the development of the Government’s Climate Change legislation and will help finalise and implement the Government’s draft Greenhouse Strategy.

“We want Prof Schneider to help position South Australia as a leader in climate change prevention.”

The Premier also announced the Government will establish a Climate Change and Sustainability Research Centre at Adelaide University, with annual funding of $250,000.

“The unit’s work will link in with the CSIRO’s research, and will focus on how South Australia can adapt to the changes in weather patterns and go even further with renewable energy and sustainable technologies,” Mr Rann said.