Abstract: . . .  Statement. We strongly urge therefore that the way forward is 10. for a National Policy Statement under the RMA to be promulgated, addressing the issues of the role of renewable energy sources and how such an environmental balance should be struck. Attached: papers from 2001 seminar by Bromley, Lawless, Brown & Dunstall AFFILIATED WITH IGA . . .
. . .  such a scheme. Relative environmental impacts. We do not claim that geothermal energy development is 9. free of environmental impact, nor do we advocate developing New Zealand’s geothermal potential to the fullest regardless of the conservation values. What we do wish to point out is that a balance must be struck between the environmental . . .
. . .  consequent continuing unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. The difficulty comes that under the current regulatory regime there is no means of doing this. Decisions on geothermal projects are made in the context of the RMA by Regional authorities. Whether projects are in the National interest, or whether minor local environmental impacts . . .
. . .  incentivising renewables. Promotional regime. The Association does not have a consensus view on which pro8. renewable regime would be most effective, but a majority of the Association has expressed support for a mandated renewable regime. We are aware that mandatory renewable energy targets may produce substantial conflicts between developers . . .
. . .  renewable generation by economic means will only come from reducing the cost differential, either by making fossil fuels more expensive through a taxation or permit regime, or incentivising renewables. Promotional regime. The Association does not have a consensus view on which pro8. renewable regime would be most effective, but a majority of the . . .
. . .  Draft National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy as released by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and the Ministry for the Environment. The NZGA is very supportive of the aims of the Strategy, and we wish to continue to be involved in the consultation process. Our aim is to see that maximum advantage is taken . . .
. . .  geothermal energy in New Zealand’s future was debated by members of the Association at a recent seminar held in Taupo. We have attached certain papers from that seminar to this submission, rather than repeating the detail contained therein. We wish however to emphasise the following key points: Relatively low greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions . . .
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