UK GOVERNMENT MUST RELEASE FOSSIL FUEL FUND

UK GOVERNMENT MUST RELEASE FOSSIL FUEL FUND

A BLOCK OF SNP MPs CAN REMOVE WESTMINSTER BLOCKAGE

SNP WILL TARGET THE FOSSIL FUEL LEVY IN THE EMERGENCY BUDGET LIKELY TO
TAKE PLACE AFTER THE ELECTION

SNP Energy and Environment spokesperson Mike Weir MP has rounded on
Treasury intransigence over the refusal to release of more than £176
million from the Scottish Fossil Fuel Levy fund to help tackle climate
change and develop the renewable industry. Mr Weir confirmed that the
SNP will target the Fossil Fuel Levy in the emergency budget to take
place after the election.

The Fossil Fuel Levy was worth £68m when the SNP Government took
office in May 2007. It now stands at £176.25m - virtually trebled.

Under current Treasury rules, if we access any of this money Scotland
loses the same amount of cash from our general budget. It can only be
accessed by the Scottish Government, to support the development of
green energy. Unless we can get the Fossil Fuel Levy, it goes to
waste - when it could be used to fund vital green energy projects in
Scotland.

Mr Weir said:

"Scotland has the potential to lead the world on renewable energy -
but Westminster intransigence is holding Scotland back.

"The value of the Fossil Fuel fund has virtually trebled since 2007,
and with it the potential for Scotland to invest in our green energy
future. For example, £176m would be enough to build a world class test
and development centre for offshore wind or fully fund the first wave
of infrastructure upgrades identified in our National Renewables
Infrastructure Plan to enable us to fulfil our potential in offshore
green energy - especially offshore wind.

"Another option would be to say the Fossil Fuel Levy funds would be
enough to build a district heating system big enough to supply a town
of around 40,000 people.

"On the one hand UK ministers tell us of the need to move to a low
carbon economy, but on the other they refuse to release to the
Scottish Government a fund to help us to develop our renewable
potential without a corresponding cut in Scotland's budget.

"Scotland has shown the way with world leading climate change
legislation. We have rejected the dangerous mirage of nuclear energy,
and are ensuring that we have the clean green energy to ensure a low
carbon future.

"The intransigence of the Chancellor in refusing to release this fund
demonstrates that we need to intensify the pressure so that common
sense prevails - and that a block of SNP MPs at the General Election
can remove the Westminster blockage. The likely emergency budget after
the General Election - and a possible hung parliament - provides an
ideal opportunity."