GetUp!: Renewable Energy Under Attack

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The Renewable Energy Target was set up by the Howard Government in 2001 to reduce pollution from Australia's emission-intensive power sector and develop Australia's clean energy sector. The Labor government expanded the target, with support from the Coalition, to ensure at least 20 per cent of Australia's electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020.

And it's working. Since 2001 the Renewable Energy Target has generated some 24,000 jobs and $20 billion of investment. It has enabled Australia to develop skills and expertise in one of the world's key growth industries. It has made our electricity system more diverse and resilient by reducing our reliance on coal and gas. Over a million households have seized the opportunity to go solar and many more will follow.

If the Renewable Energy Target was to be weakend or removed it would break 14 years of cross-party support for renewable energy and would threaten the livelihoods of thousands of wind and solar workers. It would also be a kick in the guts for the businesses, large and small, that have invested in renewable energy and hurt the 5 million Australians who have invested in renewables through their superannuation. And, over time, cutting renewable energy will drive up energy prices for every Australian.