Are Tempers Rising Inside UK Energy and Climate Department?

R2uAVsWy_400x400
on

Tempers are likely running high inside the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) as it continues to defend its controversial energy policy decisions against mountingย criticism.

Yesterday, energy minister Andrea Leadsom sent a series of tweets suggesting tensions are rising, reports Damian Carrington at the Guardian. In these tweets Leadsom accuses critics of lies, distortion andย nonsense.

This come after DeSmog UK reported remarks by Leadsom at the Conservative party conference last Wednesday where she said โ€œThere is no chance in the near term that we move away from fossil fuels; that just cannot happen,โ€ later adding โ€œwe also want to succeed in carbon capture and storage โ€“ a way of lengthening our use of fossilย fuels.โ€

These comments were picked up and criticised by environmentalists on Twitter, to which Leadsom replied: โ€œTotal distortion of what I said. Shame itโ€™s only by these tactics that you can make yourย caseโ€ฆโ€

Leadsom also sent out heated responses to those criticising the departmentโ€™s attack on renewable energy to which she tweeted โ€œgosh more nonsense being pedalled by supposedly green supporters. The truth is always better youย know.โ€

The tweets come after Leadsomโ€™s boss, energy and climate secretary Amber Rudd delivered a speech defending renewable energy subsidy cuts at the party conference, in particular ending support for onshore windfarms. This is despite figures showing that onshore wind is now the cheapest source of electricity.

You can read the full story here at the Guardian.

Photo: DECC viaย Flickr

R2uAVsWy_400x400
Kyla is a freelance writer and editor with work appearing in the New York Times, National Geographic, HuffPost, Mother Jones, and Outside. She is also a member of the Society for Environmental Journalists.

Related Posts

on

Fossil fuel advocates argue Big Oil is being silenced by the consumer protection law.

Fossil fuel advocates argue Big Oil is being silenced by the consumer protection law.
Analysis
on

The Conservative Party leader claims she was always a net zero sceptic, but in government she hailed net zero plans as โ€œcrucialโ€ for a โ€œcleaner greener futureโ€.

The Conservative Party leader claims she was always a net zero sceptic, but in government she hailed net zero plans as โ€œcrucialโ€ for a โ€œcleaner greener futureโ€.
on

New report says CCS proposal is a subsidy-dependent 'financial risk' with 'limited revenue potential.'

New report says CCS proposal is a subsidy-dependent 'financial risk' with 'limited revenue potential.'
on

A new report shows how a strategic worldwide campaign to delay building electrification policies risks public health and climate goals.

A new report shows how a strategic worldwide campaign to delay building electrification policies risks public health and climate goals.