The Turnbull govt’s ‘National Energy Guarantee’–a policy that would prolong the use of gas and coal, and curtail renewables–has been dealt another serious blow.

Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio has confirmed Victoria will refuse to sign on to any national agreement that undermines the state’s climate change policies and Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET). As reported by 9news, the Minister stated:

“We won’t be signing up to anything that undermines Victoria’s nation-leading renewable energy and climate change policies.

“Otherwise the only guarantee is that we won’t support it.”

BREAKING: The Turnbull govt’s ‘NEG’, a policy that would curtail renewables and undermine climate action, has been dealt a massive blow: https://t.co/ZhgmBEttzS #Auspol #SpringSt #DumpTheNEG #VRET pic.twitter.com/EP9FS9dtt3

— Friends of the Earth (@FoEAustralia) April 11, 2018

In contrast to the divided Turnbull government’s NEG, Victoria continues to show leadership on renewable energy, with Minister D’Ambrosio today announcing the Andrews government has received 15 submissions to its first round of renewable energy auctions totaling 3,500 megawatts of capacity.

These comments are welcome — Victorians won’t be bullied into a bad outcome for wind and solar jobs at COAG — especially as the state makes progress towards the Victorian Renewable Energy Target.

“Victoria is playing a leading role in renewable energy and won’t be bullied by the Coalition into a bad outcome for wind and solar jobs at COAG” said Pat Simons, Yes 2 Renewables Coordinator.

“The Andrews government has stood up to Malcolm Turnbull over calls to tear up Victoria’s ban on fracking. We believe they can stand up to the Federal Coalition once again on renewable energy,” added Simons.

Victoria’s push back on the National Energy Guarantee is likely to embolden other states.

“The Andrews government’s push back on the NEG creates a path for other states to follow. The community would welcome greater leadership from Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk” said Simons.

Federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg has failed to develop national energy policy during his time as responsible minister. Minister Frydenberg gave an address to the National Press Club yesterday in hopes to build momentum towards a COAG Energy Council meeting occurring next week. Victoria and the ACT’s opposition to the NEG has taken the wind out of Frydenberg’s sails.

We’re calling it! SNAP Rally for Renewables in Melbourne Friday 20th April. The community won’t be bullied by the Turnbull gov into a bad outcome for renewable energy at #COAG. RSVP Today! https://t.co/4ybViBk432 #auspol pic.twitter.com/JnDXxJgW9s

— Yes 2 Renewables (@Yes2Renewables) April 11, 2018

Community members will rally outside the COAG Energy Council meeting in Melbourne next Friday the 20th of April and call for energy ministers to rule out any policy that curtails renewables, prolongs gas and coal generation, and undermines climate change action.

“Community members won’t rest until the Federal government puts forward a strong policy to grow renewables and tackle climate change. It’s time for Minister Josh Frydenberg to go back to the drawing board.”

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TAKE ACTION: RSVP to the Snap Rally for Renewables at the COAG Energy Council Meeting in Melbourne on Friday the 20th of April.

SHARE: the event on facebook and twitter.

SIGN OUR PETITION to restore the national Renewable Energy Target

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