Fossil fuel levy is a long time coming

Commenting on the release of £103 million from the Fossil Fuel Levy, Francis Stuart, Friends of the Earth Scotland Policy Officer, said:

“This money has been a long time coming, but is very welcome at last. The challenge now will be to ensure that it is used in the best and most appropriate ways, to support Scotland’s vast renewable potential, and help fund a just transition to a low carbon economy in Scotland.

“While this funding will make a welcome contribution to progress towards meeting Scottish and UK carbon reduction targets, it is still a small part of the overall picture.

“The Scottish Government needs to significantly increase investment in energy efficiency and demand reduction measures, through, for example, reversing its recent cuts to walking and cycling budgets and fully funding a nationwide, free and universal home insulation scheme. If it doesn’t, then we have little confidence that it will meet its legally binding carbon reduction targets.”

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact: Per Fischer, Press Office, Friends of the Earth Scotland
 t: 0131 243 2719

Notes to Editors

1. Osborne announces £103m ‘new money’ for renewables – BBC News
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-15690682

2. Friends of the Earth Scotland is * Scotland’s leading environmental campaigning organisation * An independent Scottish charity with a network of thousands of supporters and active local groups across Scotland * Part of the largest grassroots environmental network in the world, uniting over 2 million supporters, 77 national member groups, and some 5,000 local activist groups – covering every continent. www.foe-scotland.org.uk