Emissions Trading Scheme

22 August 2008

To Members of Parliament of the Green Party,
cc – Hon David Parker, Hon Trevor Mallard

I’m glad to see that you are calling for submissions on the Emissions Trading Scheme. This is such an important issue that it needs to be considered carefully. I fully appreciate your advocacy for the environment and your passion to make New Zealanders fully aware of the urgency of the crises that we face.

As far as the current bill I urge you to compromise your ideals in the time being fully realizing that the current proposal may not be ideal. We need to get this scheme started. It will require some adjustments along the way and I’m sure that you will continue to work for such improvements as may be required.

I’m deeply concerned that if National were to form a government that the momentum gained on this issue will be halted. We need to get something going before the election. I am also concerned that if the left fail to work something out on this issue that credibility will be lost and election chance diminished.

We had a very useful discussion on the environment at our recent Focal conference. Meteria Turie and David Parker both gave insightful and encouraging talks. We urge The Greens and Labour to compromise on this issue. Then let us see what type of government the election produces and commit to work for the best outcome in the political climate that emerges.

Hope and peace

Steve O “Connor