McMILLAN WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR LOW CARBON ECONOMY

The SNP today welcomed the support of two of Scotland’s environmental organisations for the Scottish Government’s renewables ambition.

In a letter to the Scotsman, citing independent research supporting Scotland’s ambitions WWF Scotland and Friends of the Earth Scotland state

“Ultimately our entire economy must become resource efficient and low carbon and we will support government leadership and action to deliver this”.

(http://news.scotsman.com/opinion/Letter-Renewables-economic-key-or.6835865.jp)

Their comments follow those of Scottish Renewables who told the Scotsman yesterday that

“With plans for major investments in offshore wind and wave and tidal developments by 2020, and a number of turbine manufacturers looking at manufacturing in Scotland, it's clear renewables has massive future growth potential and will be a major driver of the economy."

SNP MSP and member of the Parliament’s Energy, Economy and Tourism committee Stuart McMillan said:

“In recent days we have seen the usual nay-sayers do down Scotland’s economy and Scotland’s ambitions.

“Reaching our target of meeting 100% of our domestic electricity needs from renewable sources is both achievable and essential.

“Renewable energy production and the development of a low carbon economy offer huge opportunities for Scotland to create jobs, grow our economy and meet our key climate change targets.

“There could be 130,000 jobs in Scotland as a result of capitalising on Scotland’s natural assets, our skilled manufacturing base and the science and research expertise of our universities.

“We are already attracting organisations and investment such as Gamesa, Mitsubishi and significant funding for the International Technology and Renewable Energy Zone in partnership with Strathclyde University.

“In contrast to the negative attitudes and lack of ambition expressed in recent days by some who remain tied to support for nuclear power, the support of Scotland’s environmental organisations, Scottish Renewables and leading business figures such as Jim McColl is welcome.”