Sir,
Pollution is not the only serious problem facing Scotland over the current renewable energy policy. Both economically and environmentally the case against the current imposition of plans is growing almost daily.
A clear need to hold authorities to account is why the complaint was lodged via the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee http://www.unece.org/env/pp/pubcom.html under ref.ACCC/C/2012/68.
It was accepted as valid for consideration and is very shortly to be discussed prior to the decision on whether it should be upheld, at the UN in Geneva on 12th. December this year.
To my knowledge, this is the first such Communication lodged from what is basically the ‘first rung’ of our democratic system and I’m deeply grateful for the expert advice given over many months, and the support of colleagues.
Although it will admittedly be a very daunting experience to attend as a lay person, it is important for people to know that there is such a route accessible to anyone wishing to use it.
So it will be a case of ‘swallowing hard’ and trying at least, to represent those who cannot speak, are having their views by-passed, and/or are already suffering harm. Whether or not the complaint is upheld, it will serve to seriously raise the profile of those damaging aspects of the current renewable energy policy not only here, but within the EU.
Now that both UK & global scientific reports are revealing the scale of adverse economic, environmental and health effects associated with wind power, the latest report relating to peat is the most recent of many such warnings previously given to this government. It remains to be seen whether it too, will be ignored in order to further political will.
A few ‘bullet points’ might help :-
- The Government is insisting on forcing through an energy policy which is (a) totally the opposite of that which the professionals who design and run such systems say is feasible and (b) is failing to complete the necessary assessments related to the environment, cost, and technical feasibility whilst by-passing legally binding public participation procedures.
- There is a massive expansion of renewable energy underway within the current programme, without any idea/quantification of the main objective i.e. tonnes of CO2 reduced, and what impact that is having on the environment. Why should citizens be forced to carry the costs and adverse environmental impacts of this programme and in addition have to use the Courts to ensure that proper due process in development of such policies and planning approvals is completed? N.B. There are reports today that new restrictions are to be imposed on an already short period of time for judicial reviews to be lodged. If true and successfully imposed, it will be a further assault on the democratic process. Within planning, the quoted rises in applications for these have apparently not occurred, such rises are believed to be restricted to the immigration/asylum fields only. Details will require confirmation.
- The Communication lodged with the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee is the only route left by which ordinary citizens can hold authorities to account.
- No Government should be permitted by society to inflict direct harm upon the them through the imposition of a technology adversely impacting upon their environment – its habitats and wildlife, whilst also risking their economic and physical wellbeing.
Yours sincerely,
Christine Metcalfe
