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New Zealand First is warning that strict controls are needed on privatised power companies to stop them wrecking the environment as they try to generate more power to increase profits.
Environment spokesperson Andrew Williams says the release today of the Hydroelectricity or Wild Rivers? report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is a first step.
“It is hard to strike a balance between the need to protect wild scenic rivers, waterways and lakes while at the same time exploiting them for hydroelectric purposes.
“Protection of these areas should be set in concrete so foreign-owned, privatised power companies cannot exploit them at the expense of our natural heritage.
“Of particular concern is the need to protect them during dry years when there will be intense pressure to drop lake levels in both the North and South islands.
“Reducing water levels too much will have dramatic impact on our wildlife and fish,” says Mr Williams.
Source: NZ First
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