CANBERRA, Australia — Australia’s Energy Minister Angus Taylor has launched a strident defense of gas, claiming those against expanding the fossil fuel’s role are against the interests of the nation.
Taylor‘s plan to increase gas supply to try and reduce prices faces opposition from a raft of environmental groups and farmers who are concerned about the climate impacts.
He has denied his office pressured the Australian Energy Market Operator into being more supportive of gas in one of its major reports.
“What we’ve got is these activists who are acting against the interests of Australia, against the interests of Australian manufacturing, against the interest of Australian small business and households,” Taylor said on April 13.
“We need more gas in the system, we need it fast. We need to keep our coal in the system for as long as we reasonably can, as coal is going to play a big role in our system for many years to come.”
The Scott Morrison government has identified five gas fields it wants to open up to support exports and manufacturing and the government in 2020 approved a controversial gas field in New South Wales’ Narrabri, paving the way for an AUD 3.6 billion ($2.75 billion) coal seam project.
It has been taken to court by the Environmental Defenders Office.
The government spruiked the need for more gas well before the coronavirus pandemic.
