Coal Industry Lobbyists Create a Stink at Te Papa

Today coal industry lobby group Coal Representatives Against Progressive Policy (CRAPP) protested against the 'Climate Change and Governance' conference, held at Te Papa.

With slogans such as 'Kyoto Schmyoto' and 'Save My Six-figure Salary', CRAPP claimed that seriously combating Climate Change would jeopardise the massive bonuses and perks they get for producing one of the world’s most polluting sources of CO2 emissions.

Report back from the conference: Climate conference – long on science, short on politics

“Although today's CRAPP protest is light-hearted street-theatre, climate change is a serious threat to New Zealanders and the environment”, said Timothy Bailey, Wellington spokesperson for the Save Happy Valley Coalition.

“The Labour Government wishes to be seen 'tackling' climate change, yet is whole-heartedly encouraging state-owned coal miner Solid Energy to continue with unsustainable coal mining. Solid Energy plans to mine Happy Valley on the South Island's West Coast, which would produce 12 million of tonnes of carbon dioxide and destroy prime kiwi habitat”, he said.

“CEOs on massive six-figure salaries, such as Solid Energy's Don Elder, are the only people who really benefit from coal mining. The rest of us are forced to suffer the consequences of environmental degradation and climate change caused by coal mining”, said Mr Bailey.

“The five million tonnes of coal in Happy Valley would largely be exported to steel-making industries in Japan and China. The idea of mines in ecologically significant areas such as Happy Valley is totally abhorrent when the only benefit is a tiny addition to the government's multi-billion dollar surplus”, said Mr Bailey.

“We call on the Labour Government to reign in Solid Energy and stop its planned Happy Valley mine in the interests of those who will suffer from climate change” he said.

Notes:

Solid Energy's CEO Don Elder’s salary is at least $670,000pa according to Solid Energy's 2005 Annual Report.

Happy Valley, in the Upper Waimangaroa river basin near Westport, is the site of Solid Energy's planned opencast coal mine. The valley is a unique, wild and largely untouched wetland, recommended for protection by the Department of Conservation. It is home to thirteen endangered native species including the Great spotted kiwi and the giant carnivourous land snail, Powelliphanta “patrickensis”.

The Save Happy Valley Coalition is a collection of groups and individuals from around Aotearoa committed to stopping the planned mine. The coalition is made up of West Coast locals, students, workers and the general public. The group has a track record of creative protests, occupations and lock-ons, as well as producing a variety of informative media. More information about the coalition and its history can be found at http://www.savehappyvalley.org.nz/aboutus.htm.

In 1998, the Department of Conservation recommended a 2100ha protection area as part of its Protected Natural Areas Programme (PNAP), to conserve biodiversity in the Ngakawau Ecological District. The Upper Waimangaroa Recommended Area for Protection (RAP) included a large part of the Upper Waimangaroa Mining Permit area and part of the proposed Happy Valley mine area.

Related

http://www.savehappyvalley.org.nz