CBI Comments on Government’s Carbon Action Plan

The CBI (UK) yesterday commented on the Government’s carbon action plan, which sets out the steps needed for the UK to make the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Dr Neil Bentley, CBI Deputy Director-General, said:

“Now the Government has set out the timeline for making the shift to a low-carbon economy, it must stick to it.

“Businesses need policy certainty and clarity to commit to low-carbon investment, but they still don’t know how key initiatives will work, including the new planning system and the Green Deal.

“If the Government is really serious about showing businesses that it wants to help them become more energy efficient, it should restore the revenue-recycling element of the Carbon Reduction Commitment in the Budget.”

On the Green Deal:

“Increasing apprenticeships through the Green Deal is good news, but the Government must address questions of financing and consumer uptake to make the scheme a success.”

On the Carbon Capture and Storage:

“The announcement of the winner of the first Carbon Capture and Storage demonstration plant is long overdue, so investors shouldn’t have to wait until the end of the year for a decision.”

On electric vehicles:

“The Government is right to highlight electric vehicle infrastructure as a key part of its low-carbon transport policy, but must now unclog the local planning process for charging points and make a decision on the post-2012 phase of the consumer grants scheme.”