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The ACT Party on Environment and Energy

The environment has emerged as a significant political issue in the late 20th and early 21st century. As the debate surrounding global warming continues, and the source of future energy becomes increasingly uncertain, the importance of the environment has risen on the agenda of all political parties. Issues include the importance and relevance of climate change, the appropriate policies to address human pollution, and the source of future energy.

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The issues

The ACT Party strongly opposes the idea that human pollution is a significant cause of global warming

Act policy states that “New Zealand is not warming. There is no warming trend since 1970 and the slight warming trend since 1950 is not statistically significant... If it were to warm moderately, we would likely benefit in terms of land-based production, human health and reduced heating bills. Leader Rodney Hide says, "Al Gore is a phoney and a fraud on this issue and the emissions trading scheme is a worldwide scam and a swindle."

The ACT Party strongly opposes carbon taxes or credits to cut greenhouse gas emissions

Act opposes a carbon tax, arguing that New Zealand needs fewer taxes. When in 2005 the government abandoned its plan for a carbon tax, leader Rodney Hide said, “ACT has opposed the carbon tax from day one, and we're glad it's been consigned to the dustbin of history,".

The ACT Party strongly opposes the introduction of Emissions Trading Scheme

Act policy is to “repeal the Emissions Trading Scheme and withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol” as it does not believe New Zealand is warming. Leader Rodney Hide has said that “the emissions trading scheme is a worldwide scam and a swindle”. In a speech in September 2008, Hide said again, “We should dump the ETS. ACT will”.

The ACT Party strongly supports reform of the Resource Management Act, so that it is easier and quicker to get consents

Act would overhaul the Resource Management Act, calling it “one of the greatest obstacles to economic development in the country” and criticising it for “attacking the sanctity of property rights”. It would replace “centrally planned development” with “case-by-case regulations".

The ACT Party opposes increased investment in public transport rather than more roads

Act’s infrastructure policy focuses on building more roads, more quickly. “Buses and trains cannot conceivably solve the problems in Auckland or Wellington”, it says. “An efficient roading infrastructure which can safely handle current and future traffic volumes is essential for growth, raising living standards, and external competitiveness.

The ACT Party strongly opposes fuel emissions standards for cars

Act opposes emissions standards. Its policy says “‘Green Business’ opportunities which address non-existent problems and needs are not “business opportunities” but a massive risk and likely to destroy wealth on a massive scale”, and adds that “carbon dioxide is a vital and necessary greenhouse gas crucial for plant growth and human survival”.