ACT delivers: methane targets to match science

Today’s halving of the Zero Carbon Act methane targets is another example of ACT standing on principle and driving the change, says ACT’s Agriculture spokesperson Mark Cameron.

“My colleague and fellow farmer Andrew Hoggard and I have spent years fighting for this outcome. I’m proud we’ve been able to speak up for Kiwi farmers in Parliament and put some common sense back into climate policy.

“ACT was the only party to oppose the Zero Carbon Act. We voted against it because we could see where it was heading. The unscientific climate targets were only ever achievable by shutting down farms.

“When every other party voted for that kamikaze law, ACT stood alone as the voice of reason. We said putting Kiwi farmers out of business and sending their customers overseas was shooting ourselves in both feet – one bullet to kill the planet, the other to kill the Kiwi economy.

“The 2040 review is another critical ACT win. If our trading partners aren’t doing their share, New Zealand shouldn’t be forced to go it alone. ACT fought for that safeguard so our farmers aren’t punished for doing their jobs better than most.

“It never made sense to cripple the world’s most efficient farmers and hand their customers to higher-emitting competitors overseas. This change proves ACT’s approach was right all along.

“Farmers can be proud today, and they can see that when ACT is in Government, rural New Zealand has a strong voice.

“Our climate laws were out of balance, and ACT has fixed them.”