"Green jobs offer golden opportunity" - Mick Bates AM (Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats)

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

"Green jobs offer golden opportunity" - Mick Bates AM

October 8, 2008 12:00 AM

Following the delayed publication of the Assembly Government's Green Jobs Strategy, Welsh Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for the Environment, Mick Bates AM, highlights the golden opportunity that green jobs can offer and urges the Labour-Plaid Government to take advantage of the potential in Wales to stimulate a new green economy.

Mick Bates AM:

"The state of the economy may be in turmoil, but we have the potential in Wales to become a world-leader in a new green economy, to stimulate the market place with jobs and businesses that help the environment. We may be a small country, but we have the natural resources to compete in a global market.

"Over two years ago the Labour Government voted against a green jobs strategy under a motion put forward by the Welsh Liberal Democrats. I am pleased that they have woken up to our agenda with the promise of a consultation on a green jobs strategy by the end of September - but this deadline has passed and there is still no sign of one.

"The Welsh Government has a commitment to sustainable development and we must use this as a lever to improve our productivity and profitability.

"We cannot let Wales lag behind even further simply because the Labour-Plaid Government cannot get its act together. Scotland is two years ahead of the game, having already published its green jobs strategy. This offers a huge benefit to us in Wales, as we can learn from their mistakes and follow their lead where policy is working well.

"This is not only a green opportunity but a golden opportunity. We need to see investment now in green jobs, in green research and we must encourage fresh entrepreneurship, which will help us move towards sustainable green development and a brighter future."

Ends/Diwedd

Notes:

The Welsh Liberal Democrat debate today reads:

NDM4025 Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire)

The National Assembly for Wales:

1. Notes with concern that:

a) CO2 emissions have increased by 4.7% on 2005 levels;

b) Total emissions of the six greenhouse gases have increased by 3.9% on 2005 levels.

2. Calls on the Welsh Assembly Government to:

a) Bring forward legislation to devolve powers over energy developments greater than 50MW;

b) Bring forward legislation to devolve powers over building regulations;

c) Produce a full environmental appraisal on all new road developments in Wales;