Mark Ruffalo, a renowned actor from Hollywood, has intervened in the politics of Ireland with a stance against the Green Party. According to a social media statement made by the US thespian-turned-activist, the Green Party is about to make a serious negative impact on the environment.
Through an online engagement, Ruffalo appealed to the populace to support a petition requesting the Green Party to halt their support for LNG. He shared his concern over the party’s imminent act that is poised to hamper the environment and climate significantly. They are in favour of approving an act that would expedite the construction of LNG terminals, thereby facilitating the import of fracked gas from the US. The actor sought public support to contest this.
His outrage extended to the party’s intention to eradicate the speedy endorsement and prioritisation of LNG as a vital infrastructure from the Planning Bill while completely prohibiting LNG alone.
He expressed dismay because the Green Party in 2020, promised to discontinue the import of fracked gas and LNG upon joining the Coalition Government. However, they have recently been facilitating the establishment of an LNG terminal in the Shannon estuary by the Irish government.
The actor’s public statements have surfaced prior to a Dáil debate concerning the Planning and Development Bill 2023. This bill aims to transform the planning system of Ireland by permitting planning applications for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminals.
On the other hand, Oisin Coughlan, the CEO of Friends of the Earth, expressed his disappointment and felt betrayed if the Green Party permitted LNG activities as they exited office, stating that it wouldn’t depict a good legacy. He believed that all of the Green Party’s commendable pledges regarding phasing out fossil fuel were contradicted by the Planning Bill and a recent High Court verdict, a sentiment he shared with RTÉ’s Morning Ireland. He described the government policy as “extremely perplexing”.
The Greens, having entered Government promising to staunchly resist the importation of fracked gas, have gained some traction in this quest alongside their Government Coalition affiliates. However, their commitment and efforts risk being substantially undermined by this evening’s Bill, which potentially poses grave threats to their reputation and governance.
When queried regarding whether Friends of the Earth would lobby the Green Party to oppose the Planning Bill, Mr Coughlan confirmed that they would be advocating for a universal opposition to LNG this evening.
Mr Coughlan further highlighted that the current application to construct a terminal on the Shannon Estuary is spearheaded by Shannon LNG, a subsidiary of New Fortress Energy. This company is one of the major exporters and manufacturers of fracked gas in Pennsylvania, a fact that has drawn the attention of Mark Ruffalo.
Imbued with the motivation to maximise the exportation of gas and to spur as much gas use as possible, their actions have been particularly noted due to their involvement with the gas that is powering the hurricanes in Florida that are currently making headlines.
As a minimum measure, they are petitioning for all TDs to eliminate any references to LNG here.