Island follows UK in cutting combustion

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a 10-point net-zero climate change plan which has brought the ban forward to 2030.

Other points set targets for 2030 and pledge to invest in renewable energy and ways to reduce carbon output.

‘Environment & Infrastructure is aware that the UK government is now intending to bring forward its ban on new petrol or diesel vehicles from 2040 to 2030 to accelerate the wider introduction of electric vehicles,’ a committee spokesperson said.

Adopting clean energy policies and allowing a sustainable, green economic recovery from the pandemic are being prioritised by both the UK government and States.

‘The committee remains focused on supporting the new States in helping the island recover from the coronavirus pandemic and handling other key issues such as Brexit.’

E&I needs to assess how the 10-point plan could appropriately contribute to Guernsey’s recovery, specific to the island’s natural environment and geographical composition. ‘However, because vehicles on Guernsey’s roads are supplied almost entirely through the UK, and because the committee anticipated that the UK’s target date was likely to be brought forward, it was agreed by the States earlier this year that Guernsey’s policy on the importation and sale of internal combustion engine vehicles would be aligned with that of the UK.

‘Through approval of this policy, the States are required to phase out the sale of [combustion engine vehicles] by 2035 or earlier if the date was brought forward in the UK, which it now has been.’

E&I president Lindsay de Sausmarez said: ‘On a personal level I am encouraged to see the understanding of the economic and social benefits of environmental sustainability become more widespread. The committee will explore in more detail the proposal from the UK government and will consider the matters raised carefully over the coming months.’