State Government details emissions policy for major projects
16 September 2019
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Policy to guide decision making on major projects
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Sensible and balanced approach to end uncertainty for industry and community
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Emissions policy will form part of broader WA climate policy, currently being developed
The McGowan Labor Government has outlined its
greenhouse gas
emissions policy for major projects assessed by the
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
Energy Minister Bill Johnston made the statement in Parliament today,
explaining how the policy will provide guidance to industry on future
job-creating project
approvals.
The
Western Australian Government's long-held position is that it
supports the
Federal Government's target of reducing emissions by 28 per
cent by 2030.
In response to industry and community calls for a State-wide approach to
reducing emissions, the State Government will work with all sectors of
the
Western Australian economy towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas
emissions by 2050.
The State's aspiration is economically and environmentally responsible,
and is consistent with the Government's commitment to work
co-operatively with industry to create jobs.
The policy supports proponents of major new projects or project
expansions that emit significant emissions, developing greenhouse gas
management plans that details their contribution towards achieving the
State's aspiration of net zero emissions by 2050.
The Government's approach aims to facilitate flexible solutions to
greenhouse gas reduction that promote innovation, new technologies and
new opportunities for Western Australia.
The EPA makes independent recommendations on major projects involving
greenhouse emissions to the Minister for the Environment who will have
regard to this policy in considering how any approvals for these major
projects are conditioned.
The broader WA climate policy is currently being developed and will be
released in 2020.
Comments attributed to Energy Minister Bill Johnston:
"As a responsible State Government, it is important to ensure that
projects have certainty for the long term. Protecting and creating jobs
is, and will always be, our number one priority.
"Industry and the broader community have been calling for more guidance,
and this aspiration provides the certainty needed for future major
projects.
"It is a sensible and balanced policy, that will allow industry to
harness innovation and create jobs here in Western Australia.
"Government will always respect the independence of the EPA. The EPA has
historically called for more clarity from Government about its policy on
greenhouse emissions – this policy provides that clarity going forward."
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Source: Western Australia Government - www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au
Contact: Minister's office - 6552 6700
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