Prescott slams wind turbine NIMBYs

Commenting on former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's attack on NIMBY councils that turn down wind turbines in their area, Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Andy Atkins said:

"John Prescott is right to be concerned.

"Local councils have a crucial role to play in ensuring that Britain meets its targets for tackling climate change and reaping the economic and employment benefits of renewable energy developments.

"But if planning committees continue to reject wind turbines the UK will struggle to meet its targets for slashing emissions and generating green energy.

"New Government planning guidance is desperately needed to ensure the creation of a low carbon economy.

"This should include obligatory renewable energy targets for local authorities - and a requirement for them to allocate potential local sites where appropriate green energy developments could be built to enable these targets to be met.

"A major emphasis on community-led renewable energy developments is also required so that local people can share in the huge financial benefits of developing green power."

Notes:

1. Friends of the Earth's call for new planning guidance is part of its new campaign - Get Serious about CO2 - which calls on local councils to play their part in tackling climate change by pledging to reduce emissions in their area by at least 40 per cent. For more information see http://www.getseriousaboutco2.com/

2. Friends of the Earth is part of a coalition of 60 organisations that is currently putting together proposals for new guidance on climate and planning. The Government is due to publish new guidance this Autumn.

If you are a journalist seeking press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published on: 2009-08-27

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