Exclusive: Labour decries ‘climate vandalism’ as launch plans signal intention to boost fossil fuel industry
The government is planning to launch its revamped net zero strategy from the UK’s oil and gas capital, Aberdeen, in a clear signal of its intention to boost the fossil fuel industry while cutting key green measures, the Guardian has learned.
Next week’s launch was originally called “green day” in Whitehall, but has been rebranded as “energy security day” and will focus on infrastructure. Campaigners have called the move a travesty.
Ministers have refused to force oil and gas companies to stop flaring by 2025, as recommended in the review of net zero by Chris Skidmore earlier this year.
Ofgem will not gain important powers to include the net zero target in its regulation of the energy sector, effectively defanging the regulator.
No overarching new office for net zero, as recommended in the Skidmore review.
No compulsion on housebuilders to fit rooftop solar to new housing.
No comprehensive nationwide programme for insulation of the UK’s draughty housing stock, as green groups have been calling for. Instead, the strongest insulation measure is likely to be a consultation on the private rented sector.
The Treasury, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade are at war over whether to introduce carbon border taxes.
Major roles for carbon capture and storage technology and hydrogen, which could boost the oil and gas industry with questionable gains for the environment.
Considering licensing a massive new oilfield, Rosebank, under cover of investing in carbon capture and storage technology which campaigners warn is “greenwash”.
