Action Needed On Energy Efficiency - Lib Dems

11.12.13am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 19th Oct 2006

Chris Huhne MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary

Commenting on the EU Commission's Energy Efficiency Action Plan published today Chris Huhne MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary and former MEP, said: "The EU Commission needs to set clear priorities in what is a comprehensive wish list.

"The EU has a key role in setting the standards for products sold throughout the single market, and it is right to tackle both the need for proper energy labelling and the use of wasteful innovations such as stand-by buttons.

"Most importantly, the commission should stop talking, and start acting. It stands the best chance of success if it picks key priorities and does them better."

Commenting further, Liberal Democrat Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, Andrew Stunell MP said:

"I welcome this push to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and to see new standards in place from 2009. This is particularly welcome given The Government's commitment to see the quality of new UK homes become the best in Europe in 10 years.

"The Government's lack of dynamism will have serious consequences for our climate and our energy bills. We should be making our homes warmer, cutting our fuel bills and saving the planet now, not in 2016."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The European Commission is in the process of taking the Government to the European Court of Justice for failing to implement measures requested in the 2002 Energy Performance of Buildings Directive:

http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/1377&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en