Labour’s gas ban ends with LNG ships

ACT Energy and Resources spokesman Simon Court says the Government's move to import LNG is the right decision, but a sobering reminder of how far back New Zealand was set by the oil and gas ban.

“This is a sad but necessary bookend to Labour’s reckless oil and gas ban. We’ve gone from being energy-secure to having to import foreign gas by ship.

“ACT opposed the Labour-New Zealand First ban from day one, and this decision underlines just how damaging it has been.

“In the long run, ACT would like to see Kiwis using gas sourced from our own backyard. But at least now we've got a change in attitude, and we're sending potential investors the message that gas is welcome again.

“Labour promoted the view that gas is something to be ashamed of. It’s not. Gas is a practical, reliable option when hydro lakes are low. Gas keeps factories running, heaters humming, and lights buzzing. And the environmental case for gas is strong too, because when we can’t burn gas, we burn coal.

“High electricity prices are hurting households and pushing mills and factories to the brink. LNG as a backup will help stop extreme price spikes, and protect good jobs.”