Anvil Hill coal mine approved: Govt's climate change credentials in tatters

"This decision shows the Iemma government is completely captured by the coal industry," Ms Rhiannon said.

"The approval sets NSW down the path of no-return. Our state's future has been hijacked by today's announcement.

"While approval has been granted, the fight to stop this and other mines has just begun.

"Greens MPs will join with effected communities in taking peaceful, direct action to resist the expansion of the coal industry.

"The approval of the Anvil Hill mine signals that the 22 applications on the table to build new mines or extend existing mines will also be granted.

"Anvil Hill will produce 10.5 millions tonnes of coal annually. When burnt this coal will produce 27 million tonnes of Co2 annually, equivalent to doubling the number of cars on NSW roads.  It will cause up to $58 billion worth of climate change damage in less than one generation.

"Coal is the elephant in the room when it comes to climate change.

"Nothing can compensate for the environmental damage this mine will do. Minister Sartor is wrong to think strict conditions or minimal job creation opportunities will be a sufficient trade-off.

"The burning and mining of coal is responsible for 40 percent of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions from our coal exports are equivalent to all our domestic greenhouse gas emissions.

"Minister Sartor is swimming against the tide of international scientific evidence on climate change and the need to take urgent action to cut emissions.

"Morris Iemma's children and all of our children will condemn the government for this decision in years to come," Ms Rhiannon said.

Contact: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568