Vic: Govt says it's not ignoring environment in Hazelwood deal

AAP General News (Australia)
02-14-2005
Vic: Govt says it's not ignoring environment in Hazelwood deal

The Victorian government has rejected claims that it's ignored an independent environmental
inquiry to approve the expansion of Australia's most polluting power station.

Environmental groups say the government has subverted a proper environmental assessment
of Hazelwood power station's application to mine more brown coal.

The panel considering the application has yet to make its decision.

But Energy Minister THEO THEOPHANOUS has said the government will provide the coal
if the Latrobe Valley power station agrees to reduce its greenhouse emissions.

Environment Victoria's executive director MARCUS GODINHO says he's horrified by Mr
THEOPHANOUS' comment that the Hazelwood expansion is a done deal.

And the Australian Conservation Foundation says the government should have waited until
the panel handed down its findings.

But a government spokeswoman says Mr THEOPHANOUS will only approve the extension if
Hazelwood agrees to a reduction in its emissions.

The power station supplies almost one quarter of Victoria's electricity.

AAP RTV nl/mp/wjf/rt

KEYWORD: HAZELWOOD (MELBOURNE)

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