Australian Greens: The burning of native forest biomass is not renewable energy

Today the Federal Government’s Native forest biomass in the Renewable Energy Target consultation paper was released with submissions open to the public on some key questions. 

This comes after the Greens secured a commitment from the government to look at removing a Coalition loophole from the Renewable Energy Act, which allows the destruction and burning of native forests to be classified as renewable energy. 

Quotes attributable to Greens forest spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice:

“The Greens welcome the release of this discussion paper which is now open for public submissions. This discussion paper is an acknowledgement that classifying the burning of native forest as renewable is a real concern. We look forward to a positive outcome for precious native forests and a just transition of affected workers.

“Burning native forest wood is a disaster for the environment. The evidence heard by the Senate committee made clear that native forest biomass should not be classified as renewable energy. 

“If the means used to generate energy results in harm to threatened forest ecosystems and more carbon being emitted than coal, it simply cannot be classed as renewable or clean.

“This process is a clear opportunity to reverse an Abbott-era change that Labor opposed at the time. The Greens will be working with the government to seek the action we need to end the farce of classifying native forests burning as a ‘renewable’ energy source.”