ENVIRONMENT FORUM
Friday 19th
January 2007 saw the successful relaunch of the Redcar and Cleveland
Environment Forum (RCEF). Hosted by Sembcorp Utilities Ltd at the Wilton
visitors centre the meeting was well attended by members of the public,
local councillors, Environmental groups, Regulators and representatives
of industry.
The meeting
opened with a discussion on topics for further forums. A couple of ideas
included climate change and how the 3 main contributors to green house
gases (Industry, Homes and Transport) could minimize their impact. As
well as a presentation on the type of renewable industry proposed for
Teesside (Clean Coal, Biofuels.. etc).
This was
followed by a talk from Vera Baird M.P. on Economic Development, Environment
and the Community. Vera spoke about the 2 factors that she believed
were instrumental in the decisions being taken in Whitehall to expand
the Wilton site with new 'environmentally friendly' industry.
1) The relationship
between Huntsman and Whitehall that led to the agreement to build a
new Polyethylene plant on Teesside.
2) The openness
of Sembcorp when it came to consult on the burning of Tallow at the
Power station - leading to the Wilton 10 project for burning wood in
the future.
Vera also
spoke about the need for good community involvement with industry and
the regulators. She spoke of the common purpose we all shared of saving
the planet. She spoke of this as being the key time for community to
get involved in the environment and the power of the consumer to influence
key decisions.
This was
followed by an open and frank discussion with some relevant issues being
raised.
Everyone
agreed that the forum should continue. A date for the next meeting was
proposed for May. Final date to be agreed as is the topic.
Watch this
space
