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Early salvo against Tory MSP misrepresentation of facts on Torness
and SNP Energy Policy
in the Berwickshire News, June 2007
Sir,
In response to John Lamont's (May 31st) scaremongering on job
losses at Torness and the Lammermuirs being carpeted with
wind-turbines, let me respond:
First, Alex Salmond is saying "no" to new nuclear power
stations; this is highly popular locally and across Scotland.
However, Torness will be allowed to continue until its scheduled
decommissioning in 2023, and the SNP cabinet have indicated that
they will be sympathetic to British Energy extending its life by a
further period, probably for 8-10 years, subject to safety
certification. This allows more time for wave, tidal and biomass
technology to mature. Deployment of clean coal technology for
Longannet and Cockenzie will also provide base-load. Thereafter,
decommissioning of Torness, which will be an expensive business,
will proceed and can provide high-skilled jobs for many years to
come.
Second, Community opposition to industrial scale wind-farms is
entirely understandable given an undemocratic planning system and
that has influenced our manifesto. The SNP Executive will expect
councils to assess suitable and appropriate sites for renewable
generation in their area, with full engagement with communities in
this process to produce a clear national strategy on the approach to
the planning and site-selection for renewable generation. While
encouragement is likely for generators to consider expansion of
current wind sites, in contrast to the previous Labour/Lib Dem
steamroller, under the SNP this will only proceed where this is
agreed with the local community.
The SNP's policy will aim to ensure that where onshore wind is
developed, it will be as part of a balanced strategy, including much
greater emphasis on offshore wind, wave and tidal power, with much
greater heed taken of views and impacts of onshore projects, e.g. on
tourism and ecology.
The SNP, backed by the Greens, will look for support in
parliament for tougher energy efficiency standards for new
buildings, requirements for renewable energy on-site for new homes,
and making it easier to gain planning permission for
micro-generation in older properties.
John neglected to mention there are actually five SNP MSPs in the
South of Scotland (where the SNP out-polled the Tories on the
regional vote and have more MSPs) and one of them, Michael Russell
MSP, a regular guest of Berwickshire SNP, is the new Environment
Minister.
Your faithfully
Paul Wheelhouse, Berwickshire SNP |
