NEWS STORY

2 February, 2009

Enviros Strategy Director has his say

On Tuesday 3 February the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) will hear the second evidence session of its Pre-Budget report inquiry, looking at what should be done in the next budget to stimulate the economy and make it more sustainable, by using the environmental climate change agenda.

As chairman of the Aldersgate Group, Peter Young, Enviros Strategy Director, has been asked to give evidence to the EAC, which is particularly keen to examine the risks and opportunities of an economic downturn - and of the policy response to it - for environmental taxation and investment policy, a subject that the Aldersgate Group has long campaigned on.

The Aldersgate Group submitted written evidence to the EAC arguing that an economic stimulus based on tackling climate change and the green agenda, and a shift to green taxation, would be the most beneficial way to create jobs and a strong, sustainable economy for the future.

The Aldersgate Group believes that:
 

• Long-term economic success depends on a healthy environment and the sustainable use of natural resources.
• At the company level, good environmental performance translates to tangible economic benefits and is a major source of competitive advantage.
• Better environmental regulation creates new business and employment opportunities in a fiercely competitive global marketplace.
• Policy appraisals must accurately assess environmental costs and benefits.
• The better regulation agenda must not lose sight of the need to maximise outcomes in the drive to reduce unnecessary costs.

These points will be central to Peter's evidence on Tuesday.

Enviros has been a member of the environmental lobbying coalition, the Aldersgate Group, since 2006. The group has been chaired by Peter Young since January 2008.

For details on the EAC inquiry, please visit the EAC website.

For more information on the Aldersgate Group, visit the website.