Barnaby Joyce won't rule out dumping Renewable Energy Target

Deputy prime minister criticises 'romantic' targets set by states as some Coalition MPs call to ditch RET if US pulls out of Paris climate deal

Barnaby Joyce has refused to commit the government to maintain the Renewable Energy Target, after a report that conservative Coalition MPs want to ditch it if the United States pulls out of the Paris climate agreement.

The deputy prime minister ruled out pulling out of the Paris agreement, but criticised "romantic" renewable targets set by states and said MPs were free to think and say what they like about the RET.