Hon Tim Clifford questions the WA government's commitment to net zero emissions by 2050, citing the absence of specific policies and accountability measures. The Minister responds by outlining ongoing efforts and a community consultation process to inform a new state climate policy.

AnsweredQoN 1398Legislative Council
Asked
22 November 2019
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

NET ZERO EMISSIONS —
2050 TARGET
1398. Hon TIM CLIFFORD to the Minister for Environment:
I
refer to the minister's comments during Wednesday's debate of
the Greens WA motion on notice, specifically that the state
government supports the commonwealth's emissions targets but wants
reassurance that the targets are being met.
In the absence of interim targets,
legislated emissions reduction targets, a legislated net zero emissions target,
renewable energy targets, a detailed plan to transition away from fossil fuels
and a requirement for transparent emissions data reporting or any
accountability mechanisms, what reassurance do the people of WA have that the
McGowan government's aspiration of net zero emissions by 2050 will be
met?

AnswerView source ↗

I am tempted to give an expansive
answer, but I will give the answer in front of me. I thank the honourable
member for some notice of the question.
The state government is committed to
working across all sectors of the economy to achieve net zero emissions by
2050. The transition to cleaner energy in the state's main electricity
grid is already underway, along with measures to enhance the state's
sequestration potential through in-principle support for carbon farming on
pastoral lease land. Opportunities to transition to net zero emissions across
the economy will be considered as part of the state climate policy. The
government is currently seeking the views of the Western Australian community
on climate change issues and opportunities through a climate change issues
paper. Feedback from the community will inform the new state climate policy.

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