Disappointment at lack of just transition for Mossmorran
Campaigners have expressed disappointment after the Scottish Government rejected proposals for a just transition board for the Mossmorran gas plant in Fife.
Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell heard from local residents, Friends of the Earth and Climate Camp Scotland in a live event following his debate in the Scottish Parliament on the future of the plant, which got cross-party support.
However, the Scottish Government refused to act.
In the online discussion, James Glenn of the Mossmorran Action Group said it was “very disappointing that the Scottish Government is hiding behind regulations and SEPA”.
Niamh McNulty of Climate Camp Scotland said ministers had offered “platitudes, but a bit empty.”
She called the minister’s claim that the Scottish Government was at the “vanguard” on climate action “ridiculous”.
Ryan Morrison of Friends of the Earth Scotland said the Scottish Government was “slow at turning rhetoric into action”, pointing out it has yet to commit to the recommendations of the Just Transition Commission.
Responding, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell said: “It’s clear that warm words from the Scottish Government are not enough for local residents and climate campaigners. They are of no use either for the workers, who deserve a far more secure future than is offered by this fading fossil fuel relic.
“The Scottish Government claim that it is waiting for investigations to conclude on Mossmorran is a complete red herring. We would be waiting a very long time. A pending prosecution over flaring doesn’t excuse the Scottish Government from their responsibilities to workers, communities, or the emissions reduction targets that have been set. If they are truly committed to a greener fairer Scotland they would start a just transition for the community and workers of Mossmorran now.”
You can watch the online discussion here