Both the ruling Progressive Labour Party and the Opposition One Bermuda Alliance have spoken on issues affecting the environment.Government has historically stressed the need to balance environmental issues while creating economic growth; the Opposition has said the Government has repeatedly shown disrespect for the environment.PLP: Government announced in this month’s Throne Speech it was hoping to become a forerunner in the Blue Economy, and planned to develop a national aquaculture strategy to create a variety of marine-based industries. As part of that it hoped to develop water tourism and new sources of energy from water.It is still investigating "the potential held by the seabed and aquaculture”, a Government spokeswoman said last week.Government is also implementing the first stage of an agriculture strategy and looking at the possibility of using land at LF Wade International Airport as a site for renewable energy projects. Long-standing plans to turn Marsh Folly into a public park were also raised.In recent years Government has passed multiple pieces of legislation aimed at encouraging the adoption of renewable energy, including simplifying the Planning process for solar equipment and providing rebates. Meetings will be held with key players in several countries in the New Year, to move those plans forward.It also has supported the Sargasso Sea Alliance, recently turning Bermuda’s exclusive economic zone into a marine mammal sanctuary.The party also organised a land swap agreement that moved a proposed hotel development from green space at Southlands to former baselands at Morgan’s Point.OBA: Gaylynne Cannonier, member of the OBA's Shadow Environmental Board, said the OBA plans to reform the planning process if elected. Changes will be made so that the Planning Minister doesn’t have final say on appeals and so there is greater public consultation on major projects. The party also hopes to speed up the Planning process.The party would also work to encourage development on brownfield sites rather than virgin land. Senator Fahy said the party has a goal of having 20 percent of Bermuda’s energy needs met by renewable sources by 2026.The party also proposes granting further concessions for businesses and individuals adopting “green solutions”, supporting higher penalties on illegal dumping and “night farming” and turning Southlands and Marsh Folly into parks.Ms Cannonier also reiterated her support of the Blue Halo project, saying the OBA would protect the ocean environment while supporting local fisherman and sport fishing tournaments.