In the wake of Fukushima, the German decision to decommission its nuclear power stations by 2022 and the fastest-ever rise in global greenhouse gas emissions in 2010, the Liberal and Democrat Group (ALDE) in the European Parliament is pushing for a tightening of the CO2 cap as part of the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS).

Speaking after an ALDE seminar on decarbonising Europe's power sector, ALDE Coordinator on the Environment Committee, Chris Davies (Liberal Democrat, UK), who will be the European Parliament's rapporteur on the low carbon roadmap for 2050, commented:

"Europe has to set a price on carbon sufficient to drive forward low carbon investments and promote energy effciency."

Lena Ek (Centre Party, Sweden), ALDE coordinator on the Industry Research and Energy Committee, said:

"An efficient carbon market is vital for the future of Europe's energy needs, especially given the emerging competition from other continents.
 
"European companies need a stable investment environment and clear long term signals in terms of available emission allowances on the market. 
 
"That's why the ALDE group pushes for a 30% cut in greenhouse gas emission by 2020 as well as an ambitious reduction target for 2030 in order to ensure that we meet our long-term targets in the most cost efficient way."

ENDS

Note to editors:
Video of the hearing will soon be available on ALDE website: http://www.youtube.com/ALDEADLE