Scottish Green MSPs will use this afternoon’s (1 June) Holyrood debate on Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform to push the Scottish Government to be bolder on community energy, fracking and democratic ownership of land.
Mark Ruskell, Climate & Environment spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, said: “Scotland’s natural environment is a precious asset and must be protected, yet we have heard warnings lately about the condition of many species and habitats. We need to see a joined up approach from government that recognises the benefits of a low carbon economy in safeguarding our environment while delivering jobs and prosperity.
“Our environment remains under threat from fracking and other forms of unconventional gas extraction which are incompatible with Scotland’s low-carbon ambitions. We invite ministers and SNP backbenchers to support our call for greater community ownership of renewables, so the sector’s huge potential delivers local benefits.”
Andy Wightman, Land Reform spokesperson for the Scottish Greens and MSP for Lothian, said: “While Parliament passed a Land Reform Bill earlier this year, it did not go far enough in tackling the fundamental issues of how we democratise land and use it for the common good. In this session of Parliament we must see bolder reform that sweeps away secrecy, and helps rural and urban communities own and use their land in the public interest.
“Ministers, in their motion, describe reform as vital but we need to ensure they deliver the bold measures so many people want to see. By supporting the Green amendment, Parliament can affirm that a radical programme is on the agenda.”
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