http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/articles/i/5360/?cid=3

John Gummer, now Lord Deben, has been confirmed as the new chair of the independent Committee on Climate Change (CCC) succeeding Lord Turner.

Lord Deben served as Environmental Secretary under Prime Minister John Major in the early 1990s. He has strong environmental credentials and has been dubbed "the best Environment Secretary we've ever had" by Friends of the Earth. More recently, he was involved in the passing of the 2008 Climate Change Act.

As chair of the CCC, Lord Deben will be responsible for steering and developing its work and advising the government on setting and meeting its carbon budgets.

"This appointment is a great honour [and] I look forward to building upon the solid foundations that Adair Turner has laid," commented Lord Deben.

"I am determined that the CCC will remain firmly independent, giving impartial, scientifically well-founded advice to the UK government," he added.

His appointment was hailed by Energy Secretary Ed Davey as the UK moves into a "critical period on climate change issues".

"Lord Deben has a major contribution to make to the climate change agenda... [he] brings with him a huge amount of knowledge of working with businesses in the environment sector and of working with government."

Lord Deben's appointment has also been welcomed by environmental group Friends of the Earth.

"We're delighted by this appointment - Lord Deben has been a passionate champion of a thriving green economy for many years," commented executive director Andy Atkins. "The new chair fully understands the urgent need to cut emissions and recognises that investment in clean British energy from the wind, waves and sun is essential for economic growth."