The government's climate change advisors yesterday announced that George Osborne's plans to pave the way for a new generation of dirty, expensive gas power could be illegal, but will the Lib Dems stand up to him now?
Back in July, the Lib Dem led Department for Energy and Climate Change caved in to Osborne over his calls for a new 'dash for gas'.
Then, in a statement promising millions in new subsidies to the gas industry, Osborne said the government "hoped to see gas play an important part in the energy mix" well beyond 2030 - not just to back up clean, renewable energy. He said his vision was to see the UK become a "gas hub".
But now government's love-in with the gas industry has been attacked by their own advisors.
The Committee on Climate Change, who advise the government on how to meet its carbon targets, said "Extensive use of unabated gas-fired capacity... in 2030 and beyond would be incompatible with meeting legislated carbon budgets" and that it "could therefore not form the basis for Government policy".
And it's not just that.
The letter warned that the Chancellor's addiction to imported gas has put off new investment in the green economy which could cost jobs and growth.
It all comes as the government prepares to bring a new energy bill to parliament. It's a once in a generation chance to create a clean, renewable future but currently the bill makes no commitment to meet the governments own carbon targets.
As Arctic sea ice reaches it lowest recorded level, it's time the government ended its affair with the gas industry and joined the global race for clean modern energy technologies.
Despite the Chancellor's best efforts, the green economy has still been growing and creating jobs, while the rest of the economy declines.
There is a way out though. Ed Davey, the Lib Dem Secretary of State, needs to ensure that he stands up to Osborne by rejecting his dirty and economically illiterate obsession with gas.
