Alliance Lisburn and Castlereagh City Councillor Jessica Bamford submitted a motion to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. The motion calls on the Economy Minister to develop an energy plan for Northern Ireland to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Bamford stated Northern Ireland must generate more local energy from renewable sources to address vulnerability to global price shocks, including rising home heating oil costs linked to Middle East instability.

Bamford highlighted energy security needs and benefits of renewables. She noted households in Lisburn and Castlereagh face financial strain from higher oil prices. The councillor urged urgent action to protect families and establish a long-term energy security plan.

Separately, DUP Deputy Leader and Strangford MLA Michelle McIlveen opposed extending the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to maritime transport. McIlveen warned the plan risks raising costs for Northern Ireland businesses and households. She stated 90% of goods in Northern Ireland move by sea, and added freight costs of about £15 per trailer would pass to consumers amid existing fuel and heating expenses.

McIlveen criticised Sinn Fein, SDLP, and Alliance for supporting the measure. She called for exemptions similar to those for Scottish island routes, given Northern Ireland's maritime dependence.

Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA urged Secretary of State Hilary Benn to ensure creation of an independent Environmental Protection Agency. Blair noted the agency commitment in the New Decade, New Approach agreement. Northern Ireland lacks such an agency, unlike other UK parts.

Blair referenced an upcoming Alliance motion in the Assembly on 10 March challenging DUP opposition at Executive level. He stated DAERA Minister Andrew Muir supports the agency to prevent environmental disasters.