Libs solar schools plan irrelevant if coal mining expansion goes ahead

"If the Coalition does not commit to stopping the 22 new coal mining projects proposed for NSW, then any reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from their solar schools plan is insignificant," Ms Rhiannon said:

"Peter Debnam's solar schools would save less than 0.3% of the carbon dioxide emitted from burning the coal mined from Anvil Hill which is just one of these proposed new mines.

"This is a climate change election, which means its all about coal. Mr Debnam cannot be taken seriously on this key issue unless the Coalition rejects the expansion of the coal industry.

"The 22 new coal projects proposed for NSW would have a combined capacity of 56.9 million tonnes of coal a year. This would result in the emission of 136.56 million tones of carbon dioxide every year.

"For every kilogram of greenhouse gases saved by the solar schools program, the expansion of the coal industry in NSW would add tonnes of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

"It only makes sense to put solar power in schools if at the same time the largest source of NSW greenhouse gas emissions, the burning of coal, is drastically cut back.

"It would be one tiny step forward to disguise the giant leap backwards.

"The Coalition are taking a punt on the profile of their solar schools project and its ability to distract voters. They are hoping that no one will ask them about their plans for the future of the coal industry," Ms Rhiannon said.

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