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Government watchdog slams Bristol airport expansion

2nd March 2007

For immediate release

The Environment Agency has confirmed the view of the Green party and others that expansion at Lulsgate will undermine all other efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the region.

In its evidence to Inspectors considering the south-west's Regional Spacial Strategy, the EA says bluntly that

"Aviation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and may overtake car travel in 2030. The effects are compounded by the fact that the altitude at which aircraft fly significantly exacerbates the warming created by CO2 emissions. The expansion of airport capacity in the south west will undermine all efforts within other sections of the draft RSS to reduce greenhouse emissions "

Now the Bristol Green Party is submitting further information to the 'Examination in Public' into the Strategy, due to be held in Exeter between April and July.

"There's fresh evidence that increased air travel will add to energy costs at ground level, as different sectors compete to buy the limited fossil fuel 'credits' available under the new European Emissions Trading System " said spokesman Peter Goodwin. "That's going to affect our domestic fuel and travel costs, which are far more important than taking extra flights."

Mr Goodwin, who has been chosen to stand again as the Green Party's candidate in Stockwood in the May council elections, added:

"The climate change case against airport expansion is conclusive, as the Environment Agency confirms. But there are also damaging financial and environmental costs for those of us on the ground if the number of flights increases further. More flying is a luxury for the irresponsible rich with the rest of us - and our grandchildren - footing the bill."

Note

• Bristol Green Party's new statement to the EiP is at www.bristolgreenparty.org.uk/policy/0703sw_eip_response5-2.doc
• The Environment Agency statement is at www.southwesteip.co.uk/representations/view.aspx?id=409&type=Policy&class=TR9
• See the 'Stop BIA' website for the case and campaign against airport expansion

Contact:

Peter Goodwin (Green Party Press Officer) 01275 543280

See also...

• Flying in the face of Reality (press release, 6/11/2006)
• Council dodges Challenge to Airport Expansion (press release, 11/9/2006)
• No more night flights! (press release, 18/6/2006)
• Airport to undermine Bristol's Climate Change efforts (press release, 9/3/2006)