Japan - Kan seems to be holding out for important renewable legislation...

[kristopher]

If your following what is going on in the move away from nuclear in Japan you might know that PM Kan has agreed to step down. The pressure seems to be related to his intention to stop building nuclear power and redirect the long term energy strategy of Japan towards renewable energy. Although I suspected it was part of the behind the scenes, this is the first time I've heard it stated that he is linking his departure to the renewable bill. Good for him.

Kan sets two (maybe three) conditions for his resignation
2011/06/21


...At a June 19 meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Kan told leaders of the government and the ruling Democratic Party of Japan that he would bow out after the Diet passes the second supplementary budget and a bill to issue deficit-covering government bonds.

...Although policy research council chiefs of DPJ and the two opposition parties are discussing the bond issue, the LDP and New Komeito have refused to deliberate the issue in the Diet unless Kan makes clear when he will resign.

The two opposition parties want the DPJ to scrap programs pledged in its manifesto, including child allowances. But they have expressed a willingness to discuss a possible compromise if they know when Kan will leave office.

However, Kan in the June 19 meeting also said the passage of the so-called feed-in tariff bill to promote renewable energy should be a third condition for his resignation, sources at the meeting said.

The bill, which has been gathering dust ...

http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201106200350.html

[kristopher]

1. Kan seeking to leave mark / Prime minister focusing on promotion of sustainable energy

Kan seeking to leave mark / Prime minister focusing on promotion of sustainable energy

Takeo Azuma and Yoshifumi Sugita / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writers


...However, disappointment and frustration with such an obstinate prime minister have grown among members of both the ruling and opposition parties, who have urged him to leave office as soon as possible.

...The prime minister is now aiming to pass "a set of three bills"--a bill to issue deficit-covering government bonds, a small second supplementary budget for fiscal 2011 to fund disaster reconstruction and special legislation that requires utilities to buy renewable energy. These are Kan's goals in the current Diet session, which was extended until late August.

Kan appears to be particularly focused on the special legislation on sustainable energy. During a citizens group meeting on June 15, he made provocative remarks about his opponents, saying, "If they don't want to see Kan's face, they'd better pass swiftly."

According to government sources, Kan has a petition from the citizens group seeking the passage of the special energy bill on display at his office and has said, "I'll keep it on display until the bill is enacted."...

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T110623005178.htm