1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions—2020 Target (Part Two)

Jeanette Fitzsimons: With reference to the Ministers statement that reducing transport emissions is difficult, will the Government take the easiest, most cost-effective route to that end and set fuel economy standards for vehicles coming into the country as soon as possible, given that the fuel economy of our fleet in New Zealand is roughly twice as bad as it is in Europe?

Hon Dr NICK SMITH: It is true that New Zealand vehicles are both old and dirty. It is also true that an emissions trading scheme, applied to the transport sector, would provide some incentives. The new Government has taken the initiative to provide a tax incentive for electric car technologies, which is a step forward. The new Government tends to favour financial instruments that provide incentives, rather than getting excessively regulatory about the choices that different New Zealanders have in choosing a vehicle.

Metiria Turei: Can the Minister confirm whether the Prime Ministers of Great Britain or Australia have personally contacted his Government regarding the setting of a 2020 target, after his Governments failure to do so in Bonn this month?

Hon Dr NICK SMITH: I am aware that Prime Minister John Key had discussions about climate change with Prime Minister Rudd, and that he set both myself and my equivalent in Australia, Penny Wong, on working more closely together. I have discussed with officials the question that has been raised by the Greens, and they have not had any concern expressed to them about the timetable for New Zealand setting a 2020 target. I would note that this is the first time that a Government has consulted the public about this issue. I also say the forest satellite data from the Land Use and Carbon Analysis System is critical to New Zealand making that decision. We will receive that information next month.

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News & Politics

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• Nick Smith
• Metiria Turei
• Jeanette Fitzsimons

[3aw77]

Keep them Overseas Desalination plants rolling in Australia Penny. Your doing a top job

[3aw77]

2020 a little to late