Greenpeace urges David Cameron to divert tax funds away from coal

Greenpeace is calling on people to sign a petition urging David Cameron to not spend the funds raised from a new tax on energy bills on polluting coal plants and instead divert the money to more sustainable resources. 

The government is set to make a decision on how the new tax will be spent, and could reach a decision as soon as next week.

Greenpeace state, “These power station already make huge profits – they simply don’t need the cash. And burning more coal will not only be a disaster for the air we breath, it will ruin our chances of cutting carbon emissions.”

Despite plans to reduce coal use, experts warned earlier this year that emissions from newly built power plants are being underestimated and are rising at a rate of 4% per year. The emissions that are released from coal power plants threaten the world’s ability to cut greenhouse gases and keep rising temperatures below 2C.

“Government taxes on energy bills aren’t new. In recent years, the money raised has helped fund vital wind farms and solar power, and even helped families cut their bills by covering the cost of better home insulation,” the environmental organisation explains.

“But right now, David Cameron want to shell out a big chunk on coal. Up to £2 billion could be given to EDF, E.ON, Npower, and SSE – cash for them to keep the UK’s oldest, most-polluting power station running.”

It continues that these big energy firms have a vested interest in keeping the power sector the way it currently is, with fossil fuels making up the bulk of energy sources rather than shifting towards clean sources.

David Cameron recently spoke out about fighting fossil fuel subsides. He commented that these “distort free markets and rip off taxpayers”.

Photo: jonasclemens via Flickr 

Further reading:

UN climate summit: Cameron calls for end to fossil fuel subsidies and a strong climate deal in Paris

Shares in Drax fall 8% following subsidy appeal

Subsidy loophole to be closed for dirty fossil fuels

‘Underestimated’ coal emissions rising 4% per year – study

Environmental regulation to slow demand for coal, says report