The Conservative MP for Weaver Vale has today been appointed as the replacement for Laura Sandys, who announced she would step down at the 2015 general election in November.
Evans said he was “delighted” to be appointed and added: “I am aware that the impact of wind farms on local communities is an important one.
“That is why I was so pleased that in July last year the Department for Communities and Local Government set out planning guidance which made clear that the need for renewable energy should not automatically override local concerns.”
Evans has previously described onshore windfarms as “a blot on the landscape of beautiful countryside 100 per cent of the time”.
However, Evans has describe himself as “an enthusiastic fan of renewable energy”, including offshore wind, and has supported the development of new nuclear saying it is “an essential part of the mix”.
Sandys has been a champion for green Conservatism, and oversaw the opening of the Thanet Offshore Windfarm in September 2010.
She has also repeatedly promoted the green economy, having said in a parliamentary debate she secured, “the green economy is no sideshow; it represents a significant part of the UK economy”.
Sandys is also a supporter of onshore windfarms, having said they should be located close to built up places, to directly power factories and local industries, such as the turbines situated close to the Ford plant in Dagenham.
Energy secretary Ed Davey has also appointed a new PPS, Stephen Lloyd, who will replace Steve Gilbert.
On his appointment, Lloyd said: “This is a tremendous opportunity and I am looking forward to tackling key issues such as our current and future energy use, as well as developing the many business opportunities presented by our growing green economy.
“We have a superb Secretary of State in Ed Davey who I’ve known for many years.
“Working with Ed to ensure that the coalition remains the greenest government ever is a task I welcome enormously.”