British low-carbon policy criticized as window dressing

LONDON, July 24 (UPI) -- Critics of the British energy policy said a commitment to an affordable low-carbon economy from the government was nothing more than window dressing.

British Energy and Climate Change Secretary Amber Rudd told delegates at a climate conference the government was committed to taking action against climate change in a way that makes long-term economic sense.

"If we don't act, it will become increasingly hard to maintain our prosperity, protect our people and conserve our countryside," she said in her Friday remarks. "The economic impact of unchecked climate change would be profound."

Her comments, however, drew fire from the environmental advocacy community. British Friends of the Earth Chief Executive Craig Bennett said Rudd's statements were dubious at best.

"This government will be judged on action not words," he said in a statement. "And far from being one of the greenest governments ever, it seems set to be one of the greyest."

The government said its $1.2 billion in support last year helped onshore wind power generate 5 percent of total British electricity. In early July, Rudd's ministry announced plans to end public subsidies for new onshore wind farms starting in April 2016.

Measures announced Wednesday included the removal of guaranteed subsidies for biomass projects and solar projects designed to generate less than 5 megawatts of power.

Rudd defended the moves by saying the removal of subsidies would keep consumer bills low. The costs for renewable energy projects, meanwhile, were down "significantly" thanks in part to government support

"We are committed to climate action; committed to economic security; committed to decarbonising at the least cost," she said Friday.

A new budget statement released in early July included tax breaks for North Sea oil and gas operators. British Friends of the Earth said that was "appalling."