Steve joined green campaigners and a solar-powered hot air balloon outside Parliament to show his support for clean, green heat.
Along with farmers and businesses and many other organisations, he is calling on the Government to honour its promise to bring in a Renewable Heat Incentive that would encourage people to switch to planet-friendly heating.
During the last Government, all parties pledged to introduce this incentive in April 2011, but now reports suggest it could be delayed or watered down in the 20 October spending review.
Delay is already damaging the UK's infant renewable heat industry as a lack of strong Government commitment makes potential investors nervous.
Speaking at the event outside Parliament, Steve said: “Heating our homes and businesses shouldn’t heat the planet - encouraging clean, green heat is essential if we’re to cut climate-changing carbon emissions. I’m backing a Renewable Heat Incentive that will create jobs and help people save money on fuel bills.”
“If we get this right it becomes a financial no-brainer and at the moment more than ever that is precisely the way forward in my view.
Friends of the Earth’s Renewable Energy Advisor Alan Simpson said: “It’s great that MPs like Steve Brine are supporting the switch to planet-friendly ways of heating our homes and workplaces. The Government must prove its claim to be the greenest ever is not just hot air, and introduce the Renewable Heat Incentive as promised.”
Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals and Sustainability at The Co-operative Group, added: “As a business that is working hard to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, we require clarity and consistency of support. We urge the government not to water down proposals for the Renewable Heat Incentive in the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.”
Pictured; Steve supports the Renewable Heat Incentive campaign at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 12th October 2010.
More information...
For more information see Friends of the Earth’s briefing via www.foe.co.uk/resource/briefings/renewable_heat_incentive.pdf
