Ralph Cassar, Alternattiva Demokratika spokesperson for Energy and the Environment has expressed AD’s dismay, that real and pressing issues effecting the health of citizens in Malta and Gozo are not being tackled despite all the rhetoric.

“Although this country is having to deal with the ever increasing price of oil, together with all the health problems caused by oil-powered energy plants, not to mention government rhetoric about climate change, the warnings by the EU regarding the Energy Efficiency Action Plan shows that this government is not really and truly committed to moving towards clean and sustainable energy generation. It has not even presented the necessary plans required by the EU.”

Mr Cassar reiterated AD’s short to medium term proposals to tackle the energy issue, namely:

1 A programme to phase out all incandescent bulbs and replace the with energy saving bulbs over a period of five years.

2 Heavy investment in localised renewable energy generating systems on at least 5,000 homes over a period of 5 years together with advantageous rates for buying electricity from renewable sources for distribution over the national grid.

3 Heavy investment in the installation of solar-water heaters in 50,000 houses over a period of 5 years.

4 The installation of a 4 to 5 turbine windfarm in two years time.

5 An incentive scheme for industries which manufacture clean energy generating equipment, to attract investment in this sector to Malta.

6 An incentive scheme to push industry to introduce energy saving measures in their production processes.

7 The conversion of the island of Gozo into an ecological island.

Mr Cassar added,”AD is the only party with a vision: we propose concrete measures for real problems. AD’s proposals will mean that the average family will be helped to cut the costs of electricity. The price of oil will continue to spiral; the only way forward is to reduce our country’s dependence on fossil fuels.”

Mr Cassar concluded,”The government’s lack of action, apart from keeping Malta down in the list of countries who are really and truly committed to combating climate change and improving the quality of life of its citizens through cleaner energy production, is risking severe negative economic effects if it continues to ignore the ‘energy challenge’. It is also risking having to fork out millions of Euros in fines. All the talk about fiscal responsibility and ‘vision’ during the PM’s budget speech is mere rhetoric, the real challenges facing our country are not being tackled.”