Australian govt rejects moratorium on new coal and gas
Gulf Times
Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen
Australia's climate change minister on Wednesday rejected a proposal to temporarily halt new coal and gas projects in the country, one of the world's top fossil fuel exporters.
The centre-left Labor government committed to more ambitious emissions cuts after it swept to power in May elections, hoping to ditch the country's reputation as a climate laggard.
But the question of winding down Australia's powerful fossil fuel mining sector has been a flashpoint between the government and the Greens party, which won record support at the election.
Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen dismissed the idea of a moratorium on new gas and coal projects when asked by a reporter Wednesday if he would consider the Greens' proposal.
