Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle made the call to Minister Michelle McIlveen after expressing his disappointment that a climate change bill has not been put in place, despite the majority of Assembly members agreeing that it was needed.
Mr Lyttle said: "If we are to continue to meet our environmental commitments, particularly with regard to the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it is essential that a climate change bill is in place. This is particularly urgent as we will lose European wide protections following Brexit.
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"Northern Ireland performs very badly when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, the UK has reduced emissions by 36% between 1990 and 2014. England and Scotland have reduced emissions by 38% and 41%, while Wales and Northern Ireland reduced emissions by only 18% and 17% respectively. These figures clearly show we cannot afford to be complacent and need appropriate legislation to ensure we can reduce the damage emissions are doing.
"Alliance has been advocating for climate change legislation for many years, particularly through our work on Assembly Environment committees. I would urge the Minister to reconsider her decision and move urgently to protect our environment."
(CD/LM)
