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Think-tank urges clarity over green policies | Think-tank urges clarity over green policies |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Ministers must send clear signals that they believe in new forms of green technology if they want companies to invest in them, a think tank has said. | Ministers must send clear signals that they believe in new forms of green technology if they want companies to invest in them, a think tank has said. |
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said the government had been blowing "hot and cold" on its commitment to cut carbon emissions. | The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said the government had been blowing "hot and cold" on its commitment to cut carbon emissions. |
That caution had made the energy sector jittery about investing, it concluded. | That caution had made the energy sector jittery about investing, it concluded. |
Energy Secretary Ed Davey said last month climate change goals could be met by banishing coal and gas in the 2030s. | Energy Secretary Ed Davey said last month climate change goals could be met by banishing coal and gas in the 2030s. |
But launching the Draft Energy Bill, the government said it wanted to retain flexibility on the target date. | But launching the Draft Energy Bill, the government said it wanted to retain flexibility on the target date. |
It had previously indicated it could make energy clean within two decades. | It had previously indicated it could make energy clean within two decades. |
'Mixed-signals' | 'Mixed-signals' |
IPPR research fellow Reg Plant said: "An ambitious decarbonisation policy offers a route to long-term sustainable economic growth, and productive British businesses. | IPPR research fellow Reg Plant said: "An ambitious decarbonisation policy offers a route to long-term sustainable economic growth, and productive British businesses. |
"But businesses need to know the government will provide consistent support for their investments. | "But businesses need to know the government will provide consistent support for their investments. |
"And at the moment ministers blow hot and cold on their commitment to a green future." | "And at the moment ministers blow hot and cold on their commitment to a green future." |
The IPPR said there were "mixed signals" because the government initially promised ambitious targets before seeming to waver about their effect on the economy. | The IPPR said there were "mixed signals" because the government initially promised ambitious targets before seeming to waver about their effect on the economy. |
It also said the Treasury should ditch plans to introduce a "carbon floor price" - a green energy tax setting a minimum price for greenhouse gases. | It also said the Treasury should ditch plans to introduce a "carbon floor price" - a green energy tax setting a minimum price for greenhouse gases. |
Mr Davey has said the scheme would encourage companies to develop more green technologies, but critics argue the tax would be passed on to consumers. | Mr Davey has said the scheme would encourage companies to develop more green technologies, but critics argue the tax would be passed on to consumers. |
The IPPR report comes amid lobbying from environmental campaigners to cut subsidies to onshore wind farms further. | The IPPR report comes amid lobbying from environmental campaigners to cut subsidies to onshore wind farms further. |
They argue their spread across the UK has been a blight on the countryside. | They argue their spread across the UK has been a blight on the countryside. |
Mr Davey has already indicated the government wants to cut wind farm subsidies by about 10%. | Mr Davey has already indicated the government wants to cut wind farm subsidies by about 10%. |
Prime Minister David Cameron has said the growth of renewable energy is vital for the British economy. | Prime Minister David Cameron has said the growth of renewable energy is vital for the British economy. |
He has promised to lead the "greenest government ever". | He has promised to lead the "greenest government ever". |