CHAMPIONING SCOTLAND’S ENERGY FUTURE

CHAMPIONING SCOTLAND’S ENERGY FUTURE

UK GOVERNMENT MUST RELEASE FOSSIL FUEL LEVY

SNP Treasury Spokesman Stewart Hosie MP has called on the UK Government to
release money being withheld by the UK Treasury so it can be invested in
boosting the Scottish renewables sector.

Speaking to a resolution on releasing the Fossil Fuel Levy, which was
passed by acclaim at the SNP Spring Conference in Aviemore today (Sunday),
Mr Hosie called for the Fund to be released and invested in Scotland's
renewable energy future.

The fund for Scotland has trebled in value since 2007 and currently sits
at £176 million.

Under the current Treasury rules, if the Scottish Government accesses any
of this money, Scotland loses the same amount of cash from its overall
budget.

Commenting, Mr Hosie said:

“Scotland won the natural lottery once with North Sea oil and we now have
the potential to lead the world again with renewables.

“Aberdeen is the oil and gas capital of Europe and has a wealth of
knowledge and a world renowned skills base.

“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring these resources are
maximized and Scotland is positioned to lead the renewable revolution -
that’s why First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday announced a £12m fund to
support marine energy development.

“However, Scotland’s energy infrastructure must be developed and the cash
which could be used to do this after currently being withheld by the UK
Treasury.

“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.

"The fund of almost £176m could be used to kick start the first wave of
infrastructure upgrades identified in the National Renewables
Infrastructure Plan. It must be released.

"The more SNP MPs Scotland returns at the forthcoming General Election,
the louder the voice speaking up for Scotland's energy sector will be. SNP
MPs will champion Scotland's communities and clean, green energy which
will underpin the long term prosperity of the Scottish economy.”