❓ The WA government is questioned about its approach to greenhouse gas emissions regulation following the potential repeal of the Clean Energy Act and implementation of the Direct Action Plan. The government's responses indicate a wait-and-see approach, deferring to the Commonwealth on emissions regulation.
AnsweredQoN 1241Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Will the Western Australian government adopt a modified approach to greenhouse gas conditions applied under the Environmental Protection Act when the Australian Government repeals the Clean Energy Act and abolishes the carbon price, consistent with the Minister's public statements about potentially reapplying greenhouse gas mitigation conditions in such an eventuality? (2) Given the Australian Government’s concession that failure to achieve Australia’s 5 percent 2020 target would be preferable to increased abatement funding, and the Prime Minister’s statement that no polluters are expected to pay penalties under its scheme, what measures will the Western Australian government consider to ensure that greenhouse gas emissions from projects in Western Australia are managed in a manner consistent with the objectives of the Environmental Protection Act ? (3) Does the Government acknowledge that greenhouse gas emissions from major projects in Western Australia will continue to contribute to adverse impacts on the global and local environment and need to be accurately identified and controlled? (4) If yes to (3): (a) what is the threshold above which the Government considers greenhouse gas emissions to constitute a significant environmental threat; and (b) will proponents of major projects be required to publicly report greenhouse gas emissions in the interests of transparency and public accountability? (5) If no to (3) why not? (6) When consulting with the Australian Government on implementation of the Direct Action Plan, will the Western Australian government support penalties for industries with increasing emission intensities, and if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
15 October 2013
Responded by
Minister for Environment
Response time
28 days
(1) The Government will assess any implications for state climate change policy at such a time as the Australian Government repeals the
Clean Energy Act
and implements its Direct Action Plan.
(2) The Government will continue to ensure that proposals in Western Australia are assessed and managed in a manner consistent with the objects of the
Environmental Protection Act 1986
.
(3)-(5) The impacts of a changing climate are evident in Western Australia, with higher temperatures and lower rainfall, particularly in the South-West. The Government acknowledges that our climate is changing and is affecting Western Australia's environment, communities and economy. The Government's view is that the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions is primarily a matter for the Australian Government and the Federal Parliament so that abatement is be achieved across Australia in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Greenhouse gas emissions from major facilities in Western Australia continue to be accounted and reported through the National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Scheme.
(6) The Western Australian Government will determine its position regarding the Australian Government's Direct Action Plan, including the Emissions Reduction Fund, at such time as details are released.
Clean Energy Act
and implements its Direct Action Plan.
(2) The Government will continue to ensure that proposals in Western Australia are assessed and managed in a manner consistent with the objects of the
Environmental Protection Act 1986
.
(3)-(5) The impacts of a changing climate are evident in Western Australia, with higher temperatures and lower rainfall, particularly in the South-West. The Government acknowledges that our climate is changing and is affecting Western Australia's environment, communities and economy. The Government's view is that the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions is primarily a matter for the Australian Government and the Federal Parliament so that abatement is be achieved across Australia in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Greenhouse gas emissions from major facilities in Western Australia continue to be accounted and reported through the National Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Scheme.
(6) The Western Australian Government will determine its position regarding the Australian Government's Direct Action Plan, including the Emissions Reduction Fund, at such time as details are released.
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