What Does The Coalition Government Mean For The Environment?

The dust has settled, Conservatives and Lib Dems have joined forces and David Cameron has taken place in Downing Street but what does this mean for the proposed environmental policies of both parties? Let’s take a look at the few key areas that the new Government will have to address.

Renewable Energy:
Both Tories and Lib Dems pledged increased investment in renewable, ‘clean’ energy production. The Conservatives were decidedly clear on the fact that they won’t pick and choose which technologies they will back but will let the markets decide. The Lib Dems were more explicit in their manifesto and stated their support for wind power and a suggested energy mix including 15,000 new turbines. The Lib Dems approach seems to focus on further backing for existing technologies whereas the Conservatives favour investment in new high-tech methods and microgeneration.

Nuclear Power:
Nuclear power is one of the major points of contrast between the two parties. They have staunchly contrasting views on the matter, the Conservatives want to build more nuclear reactors and the Lib Dems don’t! From reports and quotes in the media, it seems that the Lib Dems will abstain on any reforms involving nuclear power meaning the Conservatives will be a minority government on the issue.

Green Investment Banks:
Both parties wholeheartedly support the idea of a green bank in order to fund new low-carbon technologies. The agreement between the two parties to form the coalition states that the bank will become a reality but where the funding for it will come from is still unknown. The previous Government stated it would need £2bn funding which would be made up of £1bn from the private sector and another £1bn from the sale of the channel tunnel. The Lib Dems planned for more investment, stating £3.1bn in their manifesto but it remains to be decided what the coalition will pump into a green bank and how much funding will come from private investors.

Green Homes:
Another aspect of policy on which both sides of the coalition have agreeing points of view. The coalition agreement means that a ‘pay as you save’ green loan scheme originally announced by the previous Government will go ahead and feed-in tariffs for microgeneration will continue. The Lib Dems manifesto also proposed £400 cash back for people installing double glazing, solar panels and energy efficient boilers which may still come to fruition. It seems clear that both parties are committed to building a greener economy and environment in the UK but exactly how is not yet certain.

By: James Driffield

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