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Press Release

CPRE wins battle to have energy policy re-evaluated

15 July 2010

CPRE welcomes the announcement that the coalition government has heeded its call to take another look at the draft Energy National Policy Statements (NPSs). CPRE gave evidence to the Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee which focused on the need to redraft the Energy NPSs to ensure sustainable development in the countryside.

In a statement today, Charles Hendry, the energy minister, said: "We have decided to take a further look at the Appraisal of Sustainability of our draft Energy Policy Statements to make sure that they are fit for purpose. Taking this decision now is essential to safeguard our long-term goal of a sustainable and secure energy supply."

Dustin Benton, senior policy officer at CPRE, says: "This is a very welcome step as the draft Energy National Policy Statements pose significant risks to the countryside. They presume an unlimited demand for energy that would create a dangerous presumption in favour of new power plants regardless of environmental consequences. They also ignored the balance between national need and local impact by unduly restricting consideration of alternatives.

"We are pleased at the government's willingness to listen to the public and hope that its commitment to localism will be reflected by a better balance between our need for low carbon power and strong local desire to protect the beauty, tranquillity and character of the countryside."



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