The cabinet’s new energy measures do little to reduce the Netherlands’ reliance on oil and gas, says Milieudefensie. “If this is it, then the cabinet is just wasting its time,” says director Donald Pols. Natuur & Milieu also says the package offers “little solid ground for real sustainability and the phasing out of fossil fuels” in the long term.
Both organisations welcome the government’s support for households and businesses that are struggling. Pols says the country needs a national insulation programme so that everyone can afford their energy bills. He also calls for a “social lease programme” to help low-income households drive electric vehicles. Milieudefensie wants the government to end fossil fuel subsidies.
“It is brave and smart that the cabinet did not opt for an excise duty cut,” says Marjolein Demmers, director of Natuur & Milieu. She says such a cut would mainly benefit higher incomes and cost taxpayers a lot of money. It would also keep the country dependent on fossil fuels for longer.
Her organisation wants the cabinet to go further than the current package. It says the government must “fully commit to the energy transition to phase out both CO2 emissions and our dependence on fossil fuels as quickly as possible.” Natuur & Milieu says this requires enough funding for home insulation, with lower-income groups supported first. Demmers also says politicians should highlight simple ways to save energy. She mentions cycling, carpooling, keeping tyres properly inflated, and driving more slowly.
@ANP | News Brainport
