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Good Day for the Future of the Planet

17th March 2006

Micropower industry groups and environmental NGOs warmly welcomed the next stage of the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill today. The Bill, which finally passed its Report Stage in the House of Commons today, now goes forward for its Third Reading. Not only is the Bill supported by Parliament, it is also backed by all the major environmental and fuel poverty NGOs and all the relevant trade associations, acting through the Sustainable Energy Partnership.

Dave Sowden, Chief Executive of the Micropower Council said: "This marks a good day for the consumer, for industry, and for the future of the planet. This could well mark a turning point in energy policy. Through direct use of microgeneration technologies by consumers and the wider effect of its use, it has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on attitudes to energy efficiency. Consumers are set to become a substantial part of the solution to the climate change problems that we face. We wish the Bill a speedy passage at Third Reading in May or June."

Friends of the Earth climate campaigner, Katie Elliott said: "Climate Change is the greatest threat the planet faces. The UK government must introduce urgent measures to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions. This bill will help to promote small-scale generation up and down the country - helping in the fight against climate change. Mark Lazarowicz should be commended for his hard work in getting this bill through. But what a shame that the Government couldn't find the time to introduce such measures themselves."

Andrew Warren, Director of the Association for the Conservation of Energy said: "Today is a most important step towards turning the UK into a genuine low carbon economy."

Ron Bailey, Partner Organiser of the Sustainable Energy Partnership said: "I am delighted that the Bill has cleared its latest hurdle as it contains a number of measures which tackle climate change, promote renewable energy and microgeneration. It will also help alleviate fuel poverty and has the support of all the major environment and fuel poverty NGOs, as well as all the major trade associations and from local government."

BWEA Chief Executive, Marcus Rand, said: "BWEA is pleased that this important Bill is continuing its passage through Parliament. Given the right support mechanisms, microgeneration technologies such as small wind turbines can have a key part to play in our fight against climate change and empower the general public to take their own steps at a domestic level. It is now critical that the Bill receives swift attention to complete all stages in the Parliamentary process and give the microgeneration sector the support it rightly deserves."

Further information: Jane Vaus, 020 7924 0795/077480 10447 jane.vaus@micropower.co.uk

• Micropower or Microgeneration is the production of energy on the smallest of scales, for individual buildings or communities. Micropower technologies emit low amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), or in some cases, no carbon dioxide at all, whilst allowing consumers to generate their own heat and/or electricity.
• The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill is promoted by Lab/Coop MP Mark Lazarowicz and has widespread cross party support. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/133/2006133.htm
• The Bill will now go forward to Third Reading in the House of Commons in May or June, after which it will pass to the House of Lords.
• It will promote microgeneration (the production of sustainable energy by individual householders) and community energy schemes, require annual reporting by the government, so they can be held to account, reduce emissions of CO₂ and help alleviate cold homes and fuel poverty.
• An Early Day Motion supporting the Bill has the support of over half the House of Commons http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/Search.aspx
• The Government's Strategy on Microgeneration is due to be launched at the end of the month.
• The Micropower Council has its Annual Conference and Dinner on March 29th, timed to coincide with the expected launch of the Microgeneration Strategy and where the Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks is the keynote speaker. Booking details at: www.micropower.co.uk
• BWEA is the leading renewable energy association for the UK wind energy and marine renewables sector, representing over 300 companies. BWEA's specialist team provides essential information and support, and lobbies on behalf of its members on key challenges facing these dynamic industries. Contact: Mari Martiskainen, BWEA Communications & Small Wind Officer on 020 7689 1935 / mari@bwea.com