Missing climate briefing note: Z Energy boss speaks out
Z Energy's CEO has defended the company's actions regarding a controversial briefing note provided to a government staffer. The note, which suggested legislative changes to protect companies from climate-related lawsuits, has sparked public debate amid ongoing legal challenges.
Why it matters
It highlights the tension between corporate lobbying and climate accountability, particularly regarding legal immunity for fossil fuel companies.
<p>The boss of Z Energy says his team "followed the instructions of government" when handing over a document to a former Beehive staffer with suggestions for a law change.</p> <p><b>By Lillian Hanly of </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/716324/missing-climate-briefing-note-z-energy-boss-speaks-out" target="_blank"><b>RNZ</b></a></p> <p>In a sit-down interview with RNZ, chief executive Lindis Jones accepted the briefing note was seeking a law change.</p> <p>He told RNZ he understands the perception of handing over a piece of paper, "and that's deeply unfortunate", but there was nothing surprising in it.</p> <p>"What really matters here, I believe, is the substance of what was in that note, and there's nothing in that note that we hadn't said before publicly or to the court or to the government."</p> <p>It comes as the company releases a report commissioned by Z Energy, Fonterra, and Genesis Energy concluding the impact of a landmark climate case, if successful and implemented immediately, would see GDP decline by $21.9…
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in