WEIR URGES ANGUS COMMUNITIES TO CUT CARBON EMISSIONS

Angus MP Mike Weir, has urged communities in Angus  to go the extra mile in a bid to cut Scotland’s carbon emissions. 

The Scottish Government has been widely commended by environmental campaigners for its ambitious efforts to reduce carbon emissions in Scotland by 80% in 2050.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said a new £17 million Climate Challenge Fund would give communities across Scotland an unprecedented opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint.

Mr Weir said:

“It is vital that communities across Angus get involved in Scotland’s bid to considerably reduce its carbon emissions.  The Scottish Government has made tremendous progress in targeting Scotland’s emissions level and to consolidate Scotland’s reputation as a forward-thinking environmentally-aware country.

“For the progress we wish to make it is essential that everyone makes a contribution, however small, in order to demonstrate that we put our surroundings and environment at the heart of our priorities for improving our country and our wellbeing.

“Scotland has enormous potential as a location for renewable energy.  It is a country which should not be afraid to enhance upon its reputation as an epicentre for green policies, which brings together efforts at a local and national level to better our environment for present and future generations.

“There are particular problems relating to rural communities and we should not simply adopt knee jerk “one size fits all” environmental policies. We must ensure, however, that all communities contribute to our goal.”   

“All sections of the community will have to come together to make Scotland one of the foremost countries in the world for its environmentally-friendly culture and attitudes.  I have no doubt my constituents in Angus will continue to add to the work they have already done in helping this be the case.”

Mr Lochhead said:

"To harness the potential of communities we are working with the Green Party and others to make £17.3 million available over the next three years through the Climate Challenge Fund. This will enable them to take a range of actions to reduce significantly their carbon emissions.

"We will open the Fund to applications and outline how communities can apply in the near future. The application process will be kept as simple as possible and support will be provided throughout."

-ENDS-

Notes for Editors:

The Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) was announced as part of the Spending Review. The funding level was increased during the passage of the Budget Bill and confirmed on January 31, 2008.