Green light for green energy (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Green light for green energy

February 28, 2006 12:00 AM

Leeds' bid to become a cleaner, greener city took a step closer today as a white paper supporting the micro regeneration of energy was passed at Full Council. The motion, proposed by Lib Dem Councillor Ryk Downes, also reiterated the council's commitment to reducing carbon emissions across the city. Cllr Ryk Downes, a keen green campaigner, stressed that the issues of global warming, climate change and energy consumption were a world wide problem that warranted being taken seriously.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said " The issue of global warming has never been higher on the world's agenda than it is right now. The relationship between the use of carbon based energy sources and climate change is hardly in doubt. Across the world, cities account for about 75% of global energy consumption and Leeds, as a regional centre and a modern, forward thinking city has a responsibility to help redress this balance. Although we have made great strides with our environmental agenda since the administration took to power there is still room for improvement."

Councillor Downes added "Both abroad and closer to home in Yorkshire other council's have grasped the nettle and now micro generated microgenerated energy to great effect. I would like to see Leeds move forward on this issue and become a leading city on this very important subject. Renewable energies have a diverse range of benefits including the production of heat, electricity and even fuels for transportation. Renewable energies are a smart alternative to conventional sources of energy and they protect our environment. The social and economic benefits cannot be underestimated either, potentially reducing the price of energy bills in our leisure centres, care homes and ALMO properties."

Notes to the Editor:

Councillor Downes White Paper read as follows:

"This Council welcomes the continued progress of the Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill in the House of Commons, whilst noting the productive micro generated of microgenerated energy by local authorities across the country.

It therefore calls upon Council Officers to produce a report looking at ways of using the government's Low Carbon Building funding, in conjunction with other financial micro generated to produce microgenerated energy in Leeds City Council and ALMO properties across the city."

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.