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Reacting to the Smith Commission proposals Friends of the Earth Scotland Director Dr Richard Dixon commented

“We welcome the recommendation of the Smith Commission that onshore oil and gas licensing powers are devolved. While we are clear that the Scottish Government could stop the roll out of unconventional gas and fracking with existing powers these changes would leave them with absolutely no excuse not to take tough action against this dirty industry.
The Scottish Government should instead continue its transformation of our energy system by focusing on renewables, living up to our world leading climate commitments in doing so.”

“ We welcome proposals regarding energy efficiency, regulation of the energy market and devolution of Air Passenger Duty but caution that the Government must use these additional powers responsibly. Ministers must resist calls from the business lobby to cut Air Passenger Duty and instead use this levy to maintain its commitment to reduce emissions from aviation.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The Smith Commission proposals https://www.smith-commission.scot/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/The_Smith_C…
2. Friends of the Earth Scotland submission to Smith Commission http://www.foe-scotland.org.uk/SmithCommission
3. Friends of the Earth Scotland is:
* Scotland's leading environmental campaigning organization
* 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.
www.foe-scotland.org.uk