VICTORIA – NDP Leader Carole James today called on Premier Gordon Campbell to categorically reject burning dirty coal and to legislate immediate greenhouse gas emission targets in the fall session of legislature.



James made her comments on the eve of Clean Air Day, a national day of recognition to raise awareness and promote action to address climate change.



“This Clean Air Day, Gordon Campbell can do more than stage photo-ops and talk big about climate change,” said James. “He can use the opportunity to say no to burning dirty coal, and yes to immediate greenhouse gas emission targets.”



James said that Gordon Campbell’s stated commitment to the environment is beginning to fray. She pointed to proposals to burn dirty coal in Northern B.C., cuts to alternative energy programs, and the lack of any short-term greenhouse gas reduction targets.



“Gordon Campbell wants to look green for the cameras, but there is little substance to what he is saying,” said James. “His first greenhouse gas target isn’t until 2020, he refuses to reject burning dirty coal, and he won’t put new resources into alternative energy.



“Just like Stephen Harper, Gordon Campbell is all talk and no action on the future of the planet.”



NDP Environment Critic Shane Simpson said without legislated targets no one can trust Gordon Campbell to keep his climate change promises.



“There is a big gap between what Gordon Campbell says and what Gordon Campbell does,” said Simpson. “Without immediate targets, enshrined in legislation, we can assume that his promises are not much more than words in the wind.”