It had already failed twice and today it is no different: the House of Representatives is voting against the rapid closure of coke factory 2 on the Tata Steel site. On the other hand, there was a majority in favor of research into possibilities for greening before 2030. This does not mean that the closure is not completely over yet. Greenpeace and Fresh Wind react to the result of the vote.
The two previously tabled motions did not even come to a vote. So today, but with a negative outcome. The other motion that was submitted and related to Tata Steel was passed. There is a majority in favor of research into faster greening.
Faiza Oulahsen, head of climate and energy Greenpeace Netherlands reacts to the outcome of this afternoon. “This is certainly good news. The passed motion ensures faster action for the environment and the health of local residents. But it also paves the way for the closure of the most sickening parts of Tata Steel, including the coke factory.”
Obvious
That factory does not have to close now, but that is certainly not excluded, according to Oulahsen. “It is a pity that that motion did not pass, but if we are really looking at ways to reduce emissions, closing the coke factory is the most obvious option.”
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Jaap Venniker of Frisse Wind also sees today as a positive day. “It was somewhat our expectation. That research is really good news. That we are looking further into what can be done. The coke factory remains the biggest polluter there is, according to most studies.”
Proven effective
Jaap also thinks that the coke factory will emerge from that research as the biggest polluter. “It is possible that the coke factory will close after all, because that immediately provides health benefits for the immediate environment. Abroad, these types of factories have already been closed in the vicinity of occupancy. It has already proven effective there.”
Jaap hopes that the research will show that the greenest step that can be taken is to close the factory. “There is currently no firm date for the closure of the coke factory. It would be nice if it does come and the factory closes in two years, for example. Tata Steel can also purchase the coke elsewhere. problem only shifts, but the more than 50-year-old factory just causes a lot of nuisance camera system we’ll keep an eye on that too. If you buy it, the coke comes from a newer factory that is also not located in such a densely populated area,” he says.
Report
Earlier today, Milieudefensie published a report about their research into the influence on the climate of the steel manufacturer. Milieudefensie has studied the climate plan of 29 different polluters. None of them will achieve the climate goals. “This shows that these companies are on a collision course with the climate,” says Milieudefensie director Donald Pols.
Peter van Boesschoten of Tata Steel reacts to the outcome of this research:
“We have read the report and in its entirety, these are not results to be proud of. There is always room for improvement, and analyzes such as those by Milieudefensie help with that. We will address the areas where Milieudefensie believes we can improve, such as, for example the reporting of our scope 3 emissions. We share concern for the climate and the environment, and with it the need to accelerate. It is important that we act jointly with government, NGOs and others. We want to use the current installations by 2030 reduce CO2 emissions by several hundred kilotons. We believe that we are on the right track.”