NI election issues guide: Environment
- Published
Northern Ireland goes to the polls on 5 May to elect a new assembly. Browse the parties' key environment priorities below:
Develop a climate change act for Northern Ireland, with a clear 'road map' for implementation
Create an independent environmental protection agency. A more efficient and effective regulatory regime would lead to better environmental management and protection
Improve flood defences by using an evidence-based approach to determine what to build and assess how climate change will affect flooding
Create a long-term, 40-year energy strategy, to provide a clear 'road map' toward addressing the challenge and one which covers all forms of renewable energy
Create a new environmental advisory division within the new Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to help improve the natural environment
Develope a greenway network across Northern Ireland that provides traffic-free space for walkers and cyclists
Launch a 'Don't Mess With NI' campaign based on the example of Texas - one of the most successful in changing public attitudes towards littering
Take forward the work of the Coastal Management Forum with the aim of establishing a single lead department and overhauling the 50-year-old protection framework
Call for the strict enforcement of penalties for illegal dumping and dredging, with funds raised by fines directed into sustainable environmental programmes
Bring forward a climate change bill
Ban all types of dangerous 'unconventional' fossil fuel extraction, including fracking
Reintroduce renewable heat incentive scheme
Introduce a climate change bill
Oppose fracking
Promote renewable energy and energy efficiency
Increase penalties for illegal dumping and water pollution
The DoE single-use carrier bag levy introduced by the SDLP has been a huge success for the environment in terms of waste reduction
A climate change bill would provide new recognition of the reality of climate change and further create the clarity businesses and industries need. It should be a programme for government commitment
We fundamentally oppose the introduction of fracking. We support the development of new, safe and renewable sources of energy and have introduced a moratorium on fracking
There is sufficient scope for an independent environment agency
We must act as responsible custodians of our environment so future generations can enjoy the rich diversity of our planet. However, we reject punitive green taxes and limitations on individual liberty
There are many drivers of changing climate, including uncontrollable natural forces, and we encourage honest scientific enquiry into these matters
We totally reject absurd proposals such as monthly bin collections
We are not impressed by the large scale wind farm craze and unrealistic and expensive green energy targets. Wind energy is the most expensive energy form
Commitment to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions in line with UK and international obligations
Reinstate formal targets to increase our woodland cover
Halt the loss of our natural habitats and species
Increase penalties for crimes such as illegal dumping and fuel laundering
Scrap the monstrous wind turbines which are a blot on the landscape and are economically inefficient
Develop a more intimate connection and understanding of the countryside to enjoy and keep tidy
Demand an end to squabble provoking red tape by departmental mandarins who do not protect the countryside
Fuel regeneration in coastal areas and encourage 'Seaside Town' development to attract holiday business
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Parties listed alphabetically