Greens launch new energy policy in coal mining heartland
Today the NSW Greens launched a new coal policy that promises to both save the environment and create jobs. It calls for a transitional shift from coal mining to renewable energy sources. Greens MP Lee Rhiannon took her party’s policy to Newcastle’s Hunter region in New South Wales. This is an area long known for its coal-mining industry. But Ms Rhiannon says coal mining jobs in the Hunter region are on the decline. She says clean energy such as wind and solar power could provide the community with both environment and employment solutions. The Wire spoke with Lee Rhiannon and asked how this new coal policy intends to deliver both jobs and a better environment. The Wire also contacted the Australian Industry Group, the Business Council of Australia, the NSW Mining Council, the Australian Coal Association of Australia and the Australian Business Roundtable on Climate Change for comment. Unfortunately all either declined to comment or were unavailiable.