Despite the lack references to things green or low carbon in the Chancellor’s budget speech, the coalition government is still committed to being the greenest government ever, according to the secretary of state for energy and climate change Chris Huhne. Speaking at an energy conference today he said:
‘I want Britain to be the best place in the world to do energy business. To lead the world in decarbonising the economy. To develop the unique products and processes that will power the second industrial revolution – the green revolution – just as steam, coal and iron drove the first.’
As to specific commitments, there were four in the budget report:
- To reform the climate change levy and create a floor price for carbon
- To create a green investment bank
- A green new deal, which would make the UK’s housing stock energy efficient
- Tax breaks for low and zero emission vehicles
More details on all four proposals are to follow in the autumn.