No New Coal

In Australia, the burning of coal to generate electricity is the biggest single source of greenhouse gas emissions.  This means we need to stop building coal-fired power stations, and start phasing out the ones that already exist over the next 30 years.

But the NSW State Government has other plans - plans to build two new coal-fired power stations in fact. Bayswater B in the Hunter Valley and Mt Piper B near Lithgow. If these are built, emissions will increase by 15% in NSW. Even if they are gas-powered, emissions will increase by 7%. 

We can't let this happen!

The NSW Government's own targets are to reduce emissions by 60% by 2050. How will we reach those targets, let alone the targets recommended by climate scientists of 40% by 2020 and 90-95% by 2050, unless we stop building coal-fired stations and invest in a renewable future?

A report from the Institute of Sustainable Futures found that if NSW invested in energy efficiency measures and distributed energy instead of building these two new coal-fired power stations, we could actually save $2.5-4 billion over the next decade.

This scenario is not only cheaper for everyone, but it creates jobs in the renewables industry, and best of all it allows us to reduce our emissions.

CAN has met with Minister for the Hunter and local MP Jodi McKay to urge her to support a ban on new coal-fired power stations.

If you want to get involved in this campaign you can help out by ringing, or sending an email or letter to your local state member, NSW Ministers and Premier Keneally to tell them that you support a ban on new-coal fired power stations. 

NSW Cabinet will be discussing placing a ban on new coal-fired stations in the near future, so every phone call and letter counts right now!