National launches environment policy

National's environment spokesperson Nick Smith. File photo / Mark Mitchell

The National Party will slow down New Zealand's move to a low-carbon economy and increase protection of New Zealand's oceans, leader John Key says.

Key announced his party's environment and climate change policy this morning in Nelson.

He said National would implement a law change next year to slow down implementation of the Emissions Trading Scheme, in order to continue reducing emissions without hurting households and businesses.

"Our climate change policies carefully balance the costs to households and businesses with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"That is why we intend to slow the phasing in of the emissions trading scheme from 2013 to 2015, at which point we will look to align our scheme with that adopted by Australia. Any change to our emissions trading scheme will be fiscally neutral."

The party promised to review the inclusion of agriculture into the ETS scheme in 2015. It would not include farmers in the ETS unless there were practical technologies available to reduce emissions.

Another main focus will be the introduction of an Environment Reporting Act, which will aim to create greater transparency in how New Zealand matches up to its clean, green brand.

"This will enable our lakes and rivers to be ranked from the cleanest to the dirtiest. It will help us prioritise our lake and river clean up programme and monitor progress," said Mr Key.

National's environment policy also included new legislation to manage activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone and Extended Continental Shelf.

This will be coupled with new laws to create marine reserves in the territorial seas.

If elected, the party will also introduce a new waste management scheme and incentives for electric car users.