Reports remains of ‘Clean Car Plan’ killed off

The Greens have taken a hit in the run up to the election with reports indicating the remains of their ‘Clean Car Plan’ have been blocked by NZ First.

This time, the end has come for the emissions target component of the proposed legislation – NZ First had reportedly blocked the ‘Feebate’ scheme in March this year.

Genter told Stuff.co.nz NZ First had not put forward a credible alternative to the Greens plan.

“It’s unclear why NZ First opposed this proposal, which would have meant more electric and hybrid cars for New Zealanders,” Genter told the news organisation.

“They haven’t put forward a credible alternative solution. If we hold off reducing transport emissions that just creates pressure to plant even more trees to soak up emissions, or to make cuts in other sectors like agriculture,” Genter said.

Stuff.co.nz also published comments from an unnamed NZ First source disagreeing with that version of events, claiming Genter always knew NZ First always disagreed with the policy – and unlike the Greens had its own emissions target in its agreement with Labour.

It also noted the party only received the legislation on May 29 this year, making it unlikely to have progressed before the election.

It also objected to the plan jinking in this year – expecting dealers to be hit by it while also dealing with the economic impact of COVID-19.

The industry itself has shown some approval for the Feebate scheme, but not the emissions limit components.