Annual Spring Conference of the Welsh Liberal Democrats

NEWI, Wrexham
10/03/2006 - 12/03/2006

The following are motions submitted by MIDR Cymru, a series of amendments to which have been tabled that will be available at conference.

Motions as follows:

No to Nuclear Power in Wales

Conference expresses its concern that:

1. The Labour Government in Westminster is likely to commission a new generation of nuclear powers stations across the United Kingdom.
2. The UK Government’s energy review, 'Our Energy Challenge', includes active consideration of a new generation of nuclear power stations, including in Wales.
3. A decision about a proposed nuclear power station in Wales would be taken in Westminster and not in the National Assembly for Wales.

Conference re-affirms its belief that:

1. Strengthening renewable energy production, energy efficiency and conservation are key measures in tackling climate change.
2. Wales has great resource and landscape potential to deliver large renewable energy production.

Conference calls:

1. On Welsh Liberal Democrats in both Westminster and the National Assembly to oppose any plans to commission a new nuclear power station in Wales.
2. For the powers to make planning decisions on energy developments generating more than 50 MW to be devolved to the National Assembly for Wales.

Micro-generation

Conference notes:

1. Micro-generation of electricity is a proven technology, and has already benefited businesses and communities across the UK.
2. Micro-generation would allow poorer communities to generate their own power, and potentially sell surplus back to the National Grid, thereby saving money, and profits generated can be reinvested in the community.
3. Environmentally-friendly energy production methods such solar and wind have been trialled successfully on this scale.
4. Many Welsh communities are ideally suited to utilise this technology.

Conference calls for:

1. The installation of appropriate micro-generation technologies in all civic buildings.
2. Subsidising the cost of installing appropriate micro-generation technologies to communities that wish to take advantage of these technologies.
3. The powers over building regulations to be devolved to the National Assembly for Wales; with a view to introducing guidelines on energy efficiency for all new domestic housing