Write to federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor calling for a renewables-led recovery.

There is no question that Australia needs support to recover from the economic impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, the world is also in the midst of a climate crisis.

In 2020, the Australian Government articulated a "vision for a gas-fired recovery for Australia's economy" which includes a significant push for new gas exploration and drilling, and possible investment in expensive carbon capture and storage (CCS) and nuclear power. The plan is deeply inadequate, failing to set a suitably ambitious target for emissions reductions and continuing to provide funding to polluters.

The Government's 'National Gas Infrastructure Plan' will "identify priority pipelines and critical infrastructure" to guide government investment, and it also plans to expand the Wallumbilla gas hub.

Gas is a polluting fossil fuel that contributes to climate change, environmental damage and human illnesses. Gas is touted as a 'transition fuel', but is completely unnecessary when there are cheaper, cleaner energy alternatives and electric appliances that could achieve better jobs outcomes and provide for a sustainable future.

The ACT Government has set a target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and recently introduced a range of measures intended to phase out the use of gas in the ACT. All other Australian state and territory governments have now set net-zero emissions targets by 2050. Demand for gas in the ACT is already forecast to fall within the next five years, so any further investment in expanding the supply of gas makes no sense from political, economic or climate perspectives.

We should instead be investing in bushfire recovery, and upgrading the national electricity network to meet the needs and technologies of a clean-energy future.

We have a unique opportunity right now to change the course of history and build back better for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Use the form below to request that the Government invest in a renewables-led recovery. Your message will be sent to Energy Minister Angus Taylor and copied to ACT Senators Katy Gallagher and Zed Seselja and ACT MPs Andrew Leigh, Alicia Payne and David Smith to draw attention to the Government's intentions.

What to say in your email

We have pre-filled suggested text into the email below, but putting the request into your own words will strengthen it.

Your name will be added to the end of the message. A copy will be sent to you when you click the 'Send message' button.