Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment - Te Kaitiaki Taiao a Te Whare Pāremata

Submission on draft NZ Energy Strategy

Introduction

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Draft New Zealand Energy Strategy, Developing our energy potential.

In my role as an independent advisor I have often commented that climate change is the biggest environmental problem of our time. I was therefore disappointed to see that in terms of the draft Energy Strategy the aim to “Reduce energy-related greenhouse gas emissions” was relegated to the twelfth area of focus.

More proactive policies are needed to close the gap.

In my submission I have not fully analysed all aspects of the strategy. Instead the submission is focused on three areas in which my office has built up a significant body of work: smart electricity, biofuels and air quality. Applying my experience in these areas I recommend that the Government should take a more active leadership role to promote policies that compliment the Emissions Trading Scheme, and contribute towards the global effort of fighting climate change.