| Author (Person) | Carstens, Karen |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.10, No.19, 27.5.04 |
| Publication Date | 27/05/2004 |
| Content Type | News |
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By Karen Carstens Date: 27/05/04 LOYOLA de Palacio has again come under fire from Greens, just months before leaving the European Commission. The energy and transport commissioner has been lambasted for defending a decision to postpone setting new long-term renewable energy targets for Europe. "It appears virtually impossible to set targets for 2020," said de Palacio in presenting a report yesterday (26 May) which looks at progress made so far in meeting a 12% target of renewable energy consumption by 2010 and aims to put pressure on member states in meeting existing goals. "I could have done that - I leave Brussels in four months time - but it would be intellectually dishonest to do so." The EU needs to rely on a "diverse mix" of energy sources that takes the "current state of technology" into account, she said. But her comments drew the ire of environmentalists, who have called for a target of at least 20% by 2020. "Mrs Palacio's irresponsible actions during the preparation of this document undermine Europe's leading role in tackling climate change, damage investor confidence and will slow construction programmes," said Friends of the Earth Europe's Mark Johnston, insisting that a 2020 target is "an urgent need". "Member states should therefore ensure that commissioners are selected who, unlike Mrs Palacio, are fit for the job." Greenpeace's Mahi Sideridou was equally scathing: "We are also looking forward to the appointment of the next energy commissioner. No matter who it is, they can't be a worse advocate for green energy than Loyola de Palacio." Claude Turmes, Green MEP for Luxembourg, has accused de Palacio of "misrepresenting and manipulating scientific analysis with a clear bias towards the nuclear and coal lobbies". "Recent studies have shown that serious energy conservation measures combined with a mix of various renewable technologies could deliver a 100% renewable economy," he added Loyola de Palacio, European Commissioner for Transport and Energy has been strongly criticised by Green pressure groups for postponing setting new long-term renewable energy targets for Europe. |
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| Source Link | http://www.european-voice.com/ |
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| Subject Categories | Energy |
