[Peakoil] Senators join forces to demand cut in oil use

[Antony Barry]

Looks like we will need to see the report. Some of these comments  
appear garbled. It's good that it is unanimous.

This report should give some leverage to a peak oil campaign.

Tony


Senators join forces to demand cut in oil use

February 6, 2007


GOVERNMENT senators will join their colleagues from the Greens and  
the ALP today in calling for urgent action to reduce Australia's  
dependence on oil.

The Age believes that a 14-month inquiry into Australia's future oil  
supply has produced a unanimous Senate report calling on the Federal  
Government to develop a comprehensive strategy mapping out oil  
alternatives that could reduce our reliance on fluctuating crude oil  
prices.

The report's authors are expected to accept evidence that there are  
risks to Australia's economy and to the environment if the country  
continues to import and consume oil at current levels.

It is believed the report calls on Canberra to do more to develop oil  
alternatives, including examining the current levels of research  
funding for oil alternatives such as lignocellulose ethanol, a type  
of ethanol that does not create more energy during its production  
than is saved by using it as a transport fuel.

The report is expected to criticise Government enthusiasm for energy  
policies such as encouraging the conversion of coal to liquids as an  
alternative to oil.

It suggests this might be economically viable but will not reduce  
greenhouse gas emissions caused by cars, trucks and other vehicles.

The report, by the Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional  
Affairs and Transport, chaired by Liberal Senator Bill Heffernan, is  
scheduled for tabling today. The senate committee took 194  
submissions and held hearings around the country before finalising  
its report.

KATHARINE MURPHY

Source: <http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/senators-join-forces- 
to-demand-cut-in-oil-use/2007/02/05/1170524026090.html>

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