Australian Environment Minister Denies That Burning Coal Produces GHGs

[hatrack]

Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell has stunned conservationists by denying that burning coal causes greenhouse gas emissions. The denial was made in a submission by Senator Campbell to a Federal Court challenge by a Queensland environmental group.

Wildlife Whitsunday went to court seeking environmental impact assessments on two coalmines, saying burning coal produces gas emissions that contribute to climate change and thereby threaten assets such as the Great Barrier Reef.

The Government approved the Isaac Plains and Sonoma Coal projects in May, saying neither needed assessment under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Senator Campbell, through a Government solicitor, rejected the group's claim that "the burning of coal to generate electricity generally results in the emission of greenhouse gases contributing to global warming". He made the statement on August 5, just days after warning Australians about the inevitability of global warming.

EDIT

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/minister-shocks-eco-campaigners/2005/08/12/1123353454322.html

Looks like we're not the only ones hag-ridden with political hacks and corrupt assholes at the federal level. :eyes:

[punpirate]

1. Expect a "clarification" tomorrow...

... when someone explains to him just how incredibly stupid he was--in public. :)

[etherealtruth]

2. Sure ...

... and the "hole" in the ozone is a fallacy as well ... I'm sure this will sit well with Australians; as well as the Chimps crazed denials sit with americans of any intelligence.