New Kingsnorth power station putting Kent at risk
Published: 01-08-2008
CPRE Kent has written to business and energy minister, John Hutton, calling on him to rethink plans for a new coal fired power station at Kingsnorth, Kent.
Sean Furey, Deputy Director of CPRE Kent, who be speaking at the start of the march from Rochester to Kingsnorth on Sunday 3 August [2], outlined his fears:
“We have concerns about air quality in the Medway area. While the finger has been pointed at road traffic, energy generation must take its share of the blame. Without a coal power station, the whole area would be a lot healthier.”
“Kent is also very vulnerable to impacts of climate change that we can expect over the coming years and decades. Government talks about cutting carbon emissions by 60% but seems hell-bent on doing the opposite.”
Kingsnorth is in the heart of the government’s Thames Gateway growth area. So we think that it would be better for government to invest in technologies like micro-generation as part of this explosion in population and housing so that every new home could be a net exporter of energy.
For more information, contact:
Sean Furey
Deputy Director
CPRE Kent, 3, Evegate Park Barn
Station Road, Smeeth
Ashford, Kent, TN25 6SX
01303 815180
info@cprekent.org.uk
www.cprekent.org.uk
Notes for Editors:
[1] Local residents are working with the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country. We promote a positive long-term future for the countryside – one which values its natural and built environment. Our Patron is Her Majesty the Queen. We have 60,000 supporters, a branch in every county, nine regional groups, over 200 local groups and a national office in London. CPRE is a powerful combination of effective local action and strong national campaigning. Our President is Bill Bryson
CPRE Kent is the charity’s largest county group, with more than 3,000 supporters, 12 district groups and three special-interest groups, which focus on housing, transport and environment.
[2] NO NEW COAL march from Rochester to Kingsnorth power station
Date: Sun 3rd August
Assemble: Rochester Station Car Park 12pm,
Rally starts at 12.30pm,
Set off at 1pm
There will be speakers from local groups, as well as national NGOs that are working on the issue of coal, talk about why a new coal fired power station at Kingsnorth should never happen