As Howard Pimps Climate Credentials, New NSW Coal Mine Approved - 10.9 Million Tons/Year

[hatrack]

The NSW government has approved the controversial $240 million Anvil Hill coalmine for the NSW Hunter Valley in a decision green groups say has left its climate change credentials in tatters. The company behind the new coalmine, Centennial Coal, said it "always remained confident" the mine would be approved.

The mine, which will produce 10.5 million tonnes of coal each year, has faced consistent opposition from environmentalists, as well as a challenge in the Land and Environment Court.

Just hours after NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor approved the new mine, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said the fight would continue. She said Greens MPs would take "direct action" to "stop the construction of the mine".

"The approval of the Anvil Hill mine shows the government is not serious about climate change," Ms Rhiannon said. "They have been captured by the coal industry."


EDIT

http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/green-groups-pan-anvil-hill-decision/2007/06/07/1181089231099.html